Croagh Patrick Pilgrimage
Croagh Patrick See below for 2009 Itinerary.
2009 will be the 16th Year that students from The Holy Family School who are preparing for Confirmation will travel to the West of Ireland. In 2087 about 60 staff and students travelled in five minibuses and stayed in the beautiful town of Westport in County Mayo. The highlight of the visit is the ascent of Croagh Patrick on Good Friday. Croagh Patrick is 5 miles from the picturesque town of Westport and its conical shape soars majestically above the surrounding countryside. Magnificent views of Clew Bay and the surrounding south Mayo countryside are spectacular from all stages of the ascent of the mountain.
KEIGHLEY TO CROAGH PATRICK 2009 (9th – 13th April)
- Depart Keighley approximately 05.00hrs Thursday 9th April. Luggage in trailer and minibus. Travel by minibus to Cairnryan (Stranraer).
- 10.30 sailing from Carinryan to Larne
- Arrive Westport at 18.00hrs (Ould Mill Hostel).
- 19.30 hrs attend Mass of Lord’s Supper in St Mary’s Church Westport.
- Good Friday: ascent of Croagh Patrick – ‘Walk of Witness’ .
- Holy Saturday: Knock – opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconsiliation. Football Match v Ireland (Ballyglass)? Boys and Girls
- Easter Sunday: Mass of the Resurrection at Ballintubber Abbey, followed by visit to Inniscrone.
- Monday 13th April depart Westport after breakfast.
- Call off at Enniskillen on route to Larne.
- Larne – Cairnryan ferry 16.30hrs.
- Arrive Keighley at approximately 23.30hrs.
We are asking all students to bring:- pillow, change of clothes (warm casual wear), change of footwear, sturdy shoes for climbing Croagh Patrick, toiletries and towel, waterproofs, PE kit and swimwear, a teatowel to assist with washing up duties. Space will be at a premium and we ask that all students bring crushable bags. The Hostel will hire sheets and pillow case for £1.
It will be important that students bring sandwiches for the journey and plenty of drinks in their hand luggage. A sandwich box and flask will be helpful for packed lunches during our stay.
In case of emergency, the telephone number of the Ould Mill Hostel, James Street, Westport, is 00 353 98 27045.
Parents are asked to advise their sons/daughters about the need to spend wisely and not to squander resources since the money must last for the duration of our stay and some will be needed for the return journey. Pupils are asked to keep £5 for entry fees to various places of interest. We suggest about £30 in total for spending.
A sweatshirt will be provided for use during the Residential, but it will be the property of School and must be returned after the visit.
Thank you in advance for advising me of any medical condition or medication your son/daughter may need by completing the medical and consent forms.
This will be the 16th Year that Students from The Holy Family School have carried our Student Cross to the top of Croagh Patrick on Good Friday. As you will be aware since our initial letter inviting young people to join our annual pilgrimage costs have risen considerably with the exchange rate sterling/euro. We are suggesting that we invite staff and students to get sponsorship for ‘The Walk of Witness’ on Good Friday which will help us with the costs of the Pilgrimage.
Parents are asked to encourage their sons/daughters to join wholeheartedly in all the activities and to pray for the success of our Residential. Our staff are totally committed to ensuring your sons/daughters have a really memorable time during the Residential.
Do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further enquiries at School, 01535 210212.
Mr. S. Gilligan.