Michael Commane
Does it ever strike you when it comes to changing our clocks at the end of March and the end of October many people get confused as to whether we are putting them forward or back. On the Friday before we moved to summer time this year on a radio ad for the Claire Byrne Show there was mention of putting our clocks back at the weekend, ouch. It’s spring forward, autumn fall back.
It’s a great time of the year. Yes, it might take us a few days to grow accustomed to getting up an hour ‘earlier’ but it means a galloping stretch in the evenings.
Spring has made its presence felt. It’s here and there’s no doubting it. For anyone who can, it’s the perfect time to head for the great outdoors.
Some time back a walking group came into existence here in St Luke’s Hospital in Rathgar, where I am chaplain. We have had some interesting strolls.
On the Saturday of the mini-heatwave at the end of March eight of us walked from the hospital to Firhouse near Tallaght. Our walk took us along the Dodder Walkway.
It’s so easy to criticise and attack the institutions of State, of course there are occasions when they deserve criticism, though these days watching what is happening in Ukraine I’ve become far more grateful for living in a democracy.
The work that is currently being undertaken on the Dodder Greenway deserves great praise. Over the years I’ve cycled and walked along the Dodder from Bohernabreena near Tallaght to where the river flows into the Liffey at Ringsend.
It is a great facility but the work that is currently being done on it, is turning it into one of the best greenways in the world. The river flows through three councils, South Dublin County Council, Dublin City Council and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council. All three councils deserve the highest praise for this project.
Close to Pearse Bridge at Rathfarnham we met a number of people with heavy-duty cameras. And just as one of our group got talking to a photographer, the photographer spots her prey, a kingfisher diving into the water.
For many in our group it was their first time to see a kingfisher. A few metres away we got chatting to another photographer, who told us she lectures in photography and gave us her card. She began to explain to us some of the basic rules of the trade and the importance of the virtue of patience.
We stopped for coffee and scones at a hostelry near Tallaght before heading home. In all, we walked close to 17 kilometres. Besides the fun and adventure of the day it’s a great way to get to know your work colleagues.
On our way home we passed two little children selling delicious chocolate cakes outside their home. The proceeds were for the people in Ukraine. It so happens their father works with us in the hospital.
If you are in any way tempted to go walking this is the ideal time of the year to head out. And guess what, you will be surprised at what you will find right at your doorstep. Try it, it’s great fun.
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