Pilgrims climb peak to raise church funds

THE parishioners of Ardstraw East embarked on fundraising mountain climb on Sunday.

The outing was in aid of manufacturing and installing new windows in St Eugene’s Church, Glenock. The fourth oldest church in the Derry Diocese has undergone many restorations since it opened in 1785.

Historic buildings need continuous maintenance, and this was the fifth sponsored walk in three years.

The group of more than 30 energetic pilgrims set off from Newtownstewart to ascend the nearby majestic Mullaghcarn Mountain in Gortin Glen.

With a slight breeze and beautiful winter sunshine, the Sunday weather was ideal for walking.

Cheerful and experienced guide, Brendan McGonagle, led the group upwards on the delightful forest road. Climbing for an hour, they reached an altitude of 542 metres above sea-level.

The summit affords panoramic views of the south Sperrin valleys. A summer’s day would enable the eye to catch Malin Head in the north and Lough Neagh and the Mourne Mountains to the east.

Descending is 15 minutes faster. A total of 4.3 miles was the guide’s estimate.

The purpose of the climb was both social and financial. Each pilgrim was asked to contribute a registration fee of £15 but many of them gave extra and some are collecting sponsorship to increase the figure.

The total income will be known in a few weeks’ time.

Despite the weary limbs, the pilgrims returned home with joyful hearts, delighted to have reached the famous summit of Mullaghcarn, the 370th highest in Ireland.