Beast of Beara a gamechanger for Garnish GAA

The innovative club has launched a 20km adventure race, dubbed the Beast of Beara.

TACKLE THE BEAST:  (L-R) Paul O'Shea, Vice-Chairperson, Garnish GAA, explorer Pat Falvey, (author, mentor, coach, entrepreneur) and Ollie Rue O'Sullivan, Chairperson, Garnish GAA, on the Beara peninsula, West Cork to launch the Beast of Beara, taking place on July 20th. Challenge yourself and experience the stunning scenery of West Cork at the Beast of Beara, a 20km adventure race taking place on 20th July 2024 in Allihies Village. Pic Larry Cummins

BEARA GAA club Garnish have gained a reputation for innovative fundraising ideas, but they hope this year’s venture could be a keeper — and a gamechanger for the local community.

Strapped by income freefall during covid, in 2021 the club on the tip of the Beara peninsula ran a hugely successful draw for a beautiful vintage Massey Ferguson tractor — Tomás Ó Sé at the steering wheel proving a striking model.

This time the hard yards will be ploughed on foot. The club has launched a new 20km adventure race, dubbed the Beast of Beara. The event, set for July 20, will take runners and walkers along a picturesque trail over three peaks of rolling Slieve Miskish, starting and finishing in the gorgeous Allihies village.

Renowned adventurer Pat Falvey, who has trodden a trail or two, has already given the circuit the thumbs-up. “I think it’s one of the best routes in Ireland. And the best thing is anyone can do it.” 

Like with many remote GAA clubs, the numbers don't always add up in population, as much as in the ledgers. Garnish need everyone. Ollie ‘Rue’ O'Sullivan was still playing, at 48, when the tractor was auctioned, but he has finally transitioned fully into his role as club chairman - though he did make a brief cameo appearance in the Junior B Football Championship last week.

“We have done huge work in youth development to keep every child playing.

“The GAA club is the nucleus, the natural focal point for so many young people. To get them moving.

"We put together working group, along with the national school, We have started to field again at underage… if we can sustain it, it’s great for the whole parish, something for the older people to enjoy and talk about too. “ 

It all needs money.

“This can be a big thing for small rural area, a narrow peninsula. We’ve done a few fundraisers. But we’re hoping this could be an annual event, aligned with Beara Tourism and Fáilte Ireland, a unique challenge exposing the place and its natural unspoiled beauty.

“It’s a long-term plan. We can help the community and the community has been a great help. Allihies Community Centre has offered facilities. The Men’s Shed is helping us, and Allihies Copper Mines.

"We're inviting everyone. You don't have to be a runner. Come and walk it and enjoy it."

Visit garnishgaa.ie or email [e-mail]