Up From The Ivy Bridge – The Toughest Climb in North Kerry

Denise Dunlea, Scartaglin makes it up the toughest hill in North Kerry at the Ivy Bridge in the 10K in Lyreacrompane. Photographs: Joe Harrington
Cllr. Charlie Farrelly presenting a special trophy to Ross Gallagher who took part in the 10K Dan Paddy Andy Festival Run in Lyreacrompane
Rachel Stokes, Kerry Crusaders was the winner of the women’s race in Lyre. ©Photograph: John Reidy

One of the events in this year’s very successful Dan Paddy Andy Festival was the annual 5K/10K Run/Walk along the byways of Lyreacrompane.

“The 10K run took the participants through Renagown Crossroads, the site of the Dan Paddy Dancehall from the 1930s to the 60s.,” said co-organiser, Joe Harrington.

Pressure On

“From there it was down to the Ivy Bridge, much written about by the late John B. Keane.

“Then the pressure came on as the runners faced the steepest climb in any road-race in North Kerry.

“The winner of the men’s race was James Gavin, Lixnaw and Rachel Stokes from Listowel came home first in the women’s 10K.

Old Glen Schoolhouse

“Ross Gallagher from Scartaglin, aided by Jim Tobin from Cork, completed the 10K in a time of 59.58. and was presented with a special trophy by Cllr. Charlie Farrelly.

“This year the proceeds from the event went to the fund for the renovation of the old Glen Schoolhouse in Lyreacrompane as a heritage house for the Stacks Mountains,” said Mr. Harrington.