PICTURES: Large Leitrim group in dawn climb at Sheemore in ‘Rise Up for Stop’

An estimated 120-140 energetic young and young-at-heart people rose to the challenge of The Rise Up For STOP Sheemore Dawn Climb on Saturday, May 17th morning. Photos by David Knight

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A 'convoy' of shuttle buses departed from St. Joseph's Centre at 4am, to transport the enthusiastic climbers to the foot of Sheemore Hill. The buses were kindly sponsored by Beirne’s Buses and both Anthony Beirne and Oliver Mc Keon gave their time to provide this vital part of the event. 

Spirits were high, as the weather conditions were perfect for the fundraising event and participants were rewarded with the spectacle of a beautiful sunrise, the sounds of the dawn chorus and the beautiful scenery all around, as darkness gave way to light.

The early morning climbers arrived to the strains of wonderful live music from local musicians Wallop The Spot the beautiful 'Sheebeg and Sheemore', composed by blind harpist Turlough O'Carolan, last of the Irish Bards. 

The morning was topped off with hot drinks and warm croissants/danish pastries, kindly supplied and served by the management and staff of the Leitrim Inn and Blueway Lodge. 

READ MORE: PICTURES: A magical musical weekend at Leitrim's Sessions at the Shannon

The organisers wish to sincerely thank all who made this event possible, from start to finish:

Paddy Gilmartin for allowing access to his land; Séamus Regan and Johnathon Gill for the preparation of the walkway and stewarting as well as the use of St. Joseph’s Centre; Carrick-on-Shannon Gardaí for ensuring the safety of pedestrians along the road; together with Patrick mc Greevy paramedic on the morning the amazing staff of The Leitrim Inn & Blueway Lodge who volunteered to provide refreshments for everyone back in the village after the climb; David Knight & Martin Costello for their photo / drone coverage of the event and Sinéad Tracey for promoting the Sheemore dawn climb.

On behalf of North West STOP, Nicola O’Connor announced a grand total of €1900.00 collected on the morning of the event. She said “Northwest STOP would like to thank all those involved in organising the Sheemore climb Northwest STOP. A special mention to Adelene Guckian from The Leitrim Inn, for organising the event and to the wonderful community in Leitrim Village and surrounding areas who made this very special and beautiful event happen. All monies raised locally will benefit local people. The money raised will provide 38 sessions of counselling to those within our own community. We are delighted and overwhelmed”.

Nicola was especially proud that this special local event coincided on the same week that work commenced on Northwest Stops forever home in Drumkeerin in Co Leitrim. This will be a centre for mental health and wellbeing providing a range of counselling to all ages.

This centre will provide General counselling, Play and Art Therapy, group talks and a range of wellbeing activities. The project will take approximately 5 months to complete. This is an exciting time. The building is the former Garda Station and adjoining house in Drumkeerin. The original founders Sean and Carmel Fallon from Drumkeeran are active board members; they lost their son Kevin in May 2004, as Carmel says I just want people to call and get the help they need.

The aim of North West STOP (Start Telling Others Prevent) is to provide free counselling to assist those within our community who are struggling with their mental wellbeing and by offering a prompt response when requested. Anyone in need of counselling can call or text 086 7772009 or 0818 444000. North West STOP also promotes positive mental health. They rely solely on the generosity of the public and volunteers to organise events, as they do not receive government funding.