This was a truly superb walk in absolutely perfect weather conditions. Looking back on it, I would not wish to attempt the same walk in poor conditions as navigation at certain points could be tricky and the overall time would be considerably extended.
Dungarvan Hillwalking Club did a wonderful job in organising this large scale event which had its base at the Dungarvan Soccer Club. We were transported from there to the start near Clonmel. While the weather helped, the marshals were very well informed and precise. There was tea OR coffee AND brack at most check points. Back at the base afterwards, plenty of nice food was provided as well as musical entertainment. The bar in the club did a fine trade. Very good value for just €25 (€5 of which was being donated to West Waterford Hospice).
Between Knockanaffrin and Carrignagower my track dog-legs down and back up again. This was only for checking in at a marshalled check-point and should be omitted if just doing the walk normally. Also after Carrignagower we had to veer off NE to visit Boola Cairn. This could also be omitted on a normal walk. About half way through the walk, I met two lads heading the other way. They left me with the deflating repost "I would not fancy having to walk the distance you still have to go!". Not exactly the comment that one wants to hear.
Not much of the walk had defined tracks. Where there were tracks, trial bikes and quads had made quite a mess and churned up the subsoil. Some of the steeper climbs (45%) were unstable with loose stone which could be a lot more difficult in wet conditions. All in all, a really great walk.