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France 2010 45 Scouts, Ventures, Rovers and Leaders enjoyed one of the best Annual Camps in the history of the Scout Group to Fief du Guesdon, Olonne Sur Mer in France. Travelling out by Bus and Irish Ferries was a great experience. An action packed fortnight including trips to Futuroscope and Puy du Fou two of France’s leading theme parks was enjoyed by all. Other activities included Blokarting, Surfing, High Ropes, Swimming and Sun Bathing, Shopping, Paintballing, Horse Racing. The Best Patrol on Camp Competition was won by the Beaver Patrol (PL Kalen McNamara and APL Eoin Hobbs).
As part of the exciting outdoor programme provided to the members of the Scout Troop and building upon the cycle safety talks earlier in 2010 the Scouts took part in two cycling activities to mark National Bike Week. The Group would like to thank the North Tipperary Sports Partnership for the funding it received which assisted in making these events a reality. On Saturday June 12th the Patrols took part in an inter-patrol Treasure Hunt competition around Roscrea. The cycle hike which involved the patrols cycling around Roscrea and finding the answers to a varied array of questions relating to the history and interesting facts about Roscrea. The hike which was about 10km in total gave the Scouts a good chance to practice their cycling skills in advance of the main cycle hike the following weekend. The Treasure Hunt was won by the Swift Patrol (PL: Sinead Flanagan) On a lovely warm Sunday June 20th the Scouts meet on the Birr Road out of Roscrea for the revival of the 40 Mile Cycle Hike; an activity the Troop used to undertake in the 1980’s and 1990’s. The traditional route from those by-gone days of Roscrea to Birr to Kinnity and back to Roscrea was the selected route. After an initial safety briefing the Scouts and a few brave leaders set off on the cycle hike. On the way to Birr the cyclists had rest breaks at Gloster Gates; The Black Bull and the top of Ballyeighan hill. After leaving Roscrea at 9.30am the cyclists made great time arriving in Birr at 11am. Lunch was taken in Birr; with much needed liquids consumed. After a 30minutes break it was time for the next stage to Kinnity. Everyone was well warmed up at this point and the speed increased. The next rest break was in Clareen village and then Kinnity itself where more liquids and ice-creams were consumed. Then everyone was back on the bikes for the mountain stage back to Roscrea. 2 big climbs were encountered by some on foot!!. Following a couple of rest breaks the Group arrived back into Assumption Park in Roscrea around 2.30pm – tired but proud of their achievements. Well done to all the Scouts and Leaders who took part in both cycle hikes.
Some 22 Beaver Scouts, 30 Cub Scouts, 35 Scouts, 4 Ventures, 1 Rover some 15 Leaders and 10 of our new leader all took part in our Group Camp in Srahan. The weekend was auctioned packed including a display from the Army Communication School; Mobile Climbing Wall; Canoeing on the Nore; visit to the Pet Farm; Raft Building and much more besides. On the Sunday evening the annual investiture and parents evening took place. The main awards presented on the evening in addition to badges were Scouts of the Year – Tommy Ryan and Billy Breen Slattery Venture of the Year – Gillian Lupton Star Scout Awards – Fergal Flanagan, Jack Delaney, Eoin Hobbs, Kyle Cahir, Ciara Lupton, Derbhail Reid, Darragh Ugarte and Eoin Cooke National Scout Award – Kalen McNamara
A feet not achieved for several years by Scouts from the 6th Tipperary Roscrea Group was achieved at 2pm on Saturday May 1st when 12 Scouts and Ventures from the Group reached the summit of Ireland’s highest mountain Carrauntoohil. The Group travelled to Tralee on the Friday Night staying in the 1st Tralee Scout Hall and early Saturday morning in the Tralee Garda Community Relations Bus made their way to Cronin’s Yard at the base of Carrauntoohill. At 9.20am the hike commenced in lovely weather but as normal in Ireland the four seasons of the weather were experienced on the hike, with warm sun followed by drizzle, followed by wind, followed by hail, then low cloud then sun again. The weather conditions and the Group’s normal preference to go off road rather than on paths made for great craic throughout the hike. After passing through the Hags Teeth, crossing the River Gaddagh (at least three times!!) up through the Hags Glenn between Lough Gouragh and Lough Callee the Group stopped for lunch at the base of the Devils Ladder. After lunch the summit climb really began with the scaling of the Devils Ladder and then the final push to the summit. At the top after the customary placing of a stone in the wall and the photos it was time to leave as the weather started to close in again. Retracing the route the Group took great care back down the Devils Ladder and hiked the 5km’s back to the start point at Cronin’s Yard. Well done to all those who took part in the hike and reached their personal goals. Pictured below is the Group at the Top of Ireland!! Members on the Hike included: Ronan Foyle, Hike Leader; Francis Minogue, Group Leader; Tony Foyle, Deputy Group Leader, Daragh Quinlan, David Lupton, Kalen McNamara, Tommy Ryan, Billy Breen Slattery, Sinead Flanagan, Kevin Shaw, Kyle Cahir, Rody Ryan, Eoin Cooke, Ciara Lupton and Derbhail Reid. The scaling of Ireland’s highest mountain marks adds to the long list of mountain ranges walked in my members of the Group in the past three years including the Mournes, Mount Brandon, Wicklow Mountains, Knockmealdowns, Commeraghs, Galtees, Devils Bit, Slieve Blooms and Benbulbin.
Hells Kitchen come I’m a Celebrity Get me Out of Here, Scout Style hit the Racket Hall Hotel on Friday February 4th. Escaping the Winter freeze and those recession blues; some 120 Scouts, Ventures, Rovers, Leaders, Parents, Family and Friends enjoyed an excellent fun filled evening. The four Scout Patrols competed against each other in planning, cooking and serving a three course meal to their Parents. Never has the Dance Floor in the Racket Hall seen such action. Amazed parents at the standard of the cooking and service was the order of the day; with a really close fought contest between the four Patrols. Volunteers from the parents took part in the Bush-Tucker trial to win prizes for their Tables. A great night was had by all and a huge debt of thanks goes to the management and staff at the Racket Hall Hotel for hosting the Event. Well done to all Patrols and congratulations to the Beaver Patrol (PL Kalen McNamara and APL Eoin Hobbs) on winning the event. Pictured below is the Beavers Cooking and Serving Crews.
8 New Leaders attending their Welcome to Scouting Briefing on Thursday Jan 14th. New Leaders Liam, Aidan, Keith and Louise are welcomed on board and congratulations to youth members Claire, Conor, David and Kate in taking on Leader roles in the Group. In unusually pleasant weather conditions on Sunday 17th – 11 leaders from the Group attending a Skills Training Day in Srahan – in preparation for the implementation of the new Programme later in 2010; the leaders practiced lightweight tent pitching, trangia cooking, cooking on open fires, stretcher building, mapwork, compasswork and pioneering. A great day was had by all.
The last three months have been exciting, challenging and fun and not short of achievements for all the 150 members of the Scout Group. Beaver Scouts Our 26 Beavers (our youngest section) have been going at a breathless pace since September. The colony welcomed in some 16 New Beavers this year, with many others waiting to join. The Beavers would like to thank the Church of Ireland Community for the use of the Temperance Hall. Highlights for the Beavers included a talk with the first ever Beaver Water Activity at our New Swimming Pool, Roscrea Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Carol Singing at the Dean Maxwell, Halloween Fancy Dress Party & Disco, Santa Show at the Source Theatre to name but a few. Cub Scouts The Cub Pack stands at 36 youth- having gained 14 members from the Beavers, taken on 5 New Cubs and lost 14 upto the Scouts the first few months meant a lot of Cubs getting to know one another. The Cubs have run a very active programme despite the bad weather including the first overnight trip of the year to Srahan, attendance at the County Track and Trail Event in Birr Castle, an excellent performance at the County Challenge Day/Quiz in Portlaoise, an excellent Halloween Party and the first trip to the new Swimming Pool. During the term the Cubs also were working on several of their proficiency badges and skills including ropework, map reading and hiking. Scouts 42 Scouts – 10 nights away and multiple activities – all part of a normal term for the Scout Troop. September kicked off with a two night survival camp in shelters in the woods at Srahan; followed by the 3 of the Patrol Leaders and one of the Ventures partaking in the challenging National Mountain Pursuit Challenges in Connaught on Benbullben and Ulster in the Mourne Mountains (both events involved the Scouts and THEIR LEADER carrying full pack of gear and food in the mountains for 3 days and 2 nights. The Troop also had their first hike of the season on the Devils Bit where the new Scouts were introduced to cooking on Trangias. Over Halloween the Scouts enjoyed a late night Orienteering Competition in Orange Hill. The first weekend in November saw the Scouts camping in Portlick Campsite on Lough Ree for an activity weekend; where the New Scouts had their first camping and cooking experience. Programme for the weekend included Kayaking, Archery, Hiking, Sports, Crate Climbing and the Zip Line. The Troop also sent two teams to the County Challenge/Quiz event coming 1st and 4th qualifying for the National Finals for the fifth consecutive year. The New Swimming Pool received two visits during the term and the Senior Scouts also went to Mount Melleray for the Provincial Youth Fora Activity Weekend. Four of the Scouts have signed up to attend the World Scout Jamboree in Sweden which will be one of events in 2011 the Group will be using to mark its 40th Anniversary. Francis Minogue was honoured with the appointment as one of the 10 Troop Leaders to lead the Irish National Contingent to Sweden. Venture Scout / Rover Scouts Linking in and supporting the younger Sections is a huge part of the life of the Venture. If an event is on in a younger Section there is normally a Venture or two in attendance. In conjunction with Colaiste Phobal there are currently four Ventures and one Colaiste student doing their Silver Gaisce (Presidents Award) by working with the Cub and Scout Sections. Brian Shaw represented the Group at Comhairle na nOg and had the honour of been elected to Dail na nOg. 3 of the Ventures took part in the North Tipperary Scor Table Quiz in Templederry and qualified for the next stage of this National Competition. Leaders and the Group During 2009 five of our Venture Scouts turned 18 and we opened a Rover Section. The 5, Niamh Abbott, Claire McGrath, David McGrath, Alan O’Brien and Kate Lupton are all now registered leaders in the Scout Group. The Group also welcomed in Keith Morton, Aidan Moloney, Geraldine Du Berry, Breda Kelly, Conor Abbott and Louise Hennessy as new Leaders into the Group. Training for the Leaders continues apace with 8 leaders completing their Child Protection Course hosted in Grants Hotel and Breda Kelly completing her Advanced Leader Training. Edel Moloney was appointed our new Group Secretary at our recent AGM. In September the Group provided a Colour Party and Guard of Honour at the departure mass for Sisters Brady and Minogue of the Sacred Heart Community. The Group also had the honour of attending and providing a Colour Party and Guard of Honour at the December visit of the President to Roscrea. Despite the challenging economic times the Groups campsite in Srahan continues to attract Scouts from all over the Country to the Midlands. Francis Minogue, James Marks and Caroline Marks continue to serve Scouting outside of Roscrea in the County and Provincial roles. Scouting membership is the area within the South East Scout Province that our leaders are responsible for the management of has grown by 30% over the past three years and now stands at over 8,500 people. Over Christmas the Group will be relaunching our Annual Past Members vs Present Members Soccer Match. The event this year will be in Killavilla on Sunday December 27th with a 2pm kick-off. All Families, Past and Present Members are encouraged to attend. A social evening will be held in O’Rourkes from 7pm that evening. If you are interested in getting involved you can apply on-line through our Website at www.roscreascouts.com or by ringing (086)2211227.
Brian Shaw, Michael Parlon and Darragh Quinlan qualified from the Tipperary Scor na nOg qualified to represent Tipperary at the Munster finals. The Ventures performed superbly to achieve this at the event in Templederry on Friday November 27th.
Leader Training Update Well done to Breda Kelly on completing her Scouting Leadership Course; Breda will now start work on her Woodbadge Project. Congrats to Ollie Stapleton, Daryl Carney, Louise Hennessy, Aidan Moloney, Geraldin Du Berry, Ronan Foyle and Rose Dynan.
2009, what a year for the 120 Youth Members in the Roscrea Scouts. Action packed, fun, challenging, exciting and educational all terms that could be used to describe the 2009 Scouting Year. The highlights of 2009 are outlined below:
The future will see the continuing development of the Group; a number of Scouts are on the verge of achieving the coveted National and Chief Scout Awards; plans Annual Camp to the Vendee in France in July are well advanced; full programme plans are in place for all Sections; Plans for the 40th Anniversary of the Group in 2011 are advanced including for the first time the attendance of members of the Group at the World Scout Jamboree in Sweden in July 2011. The Members of the Roscrea Scouts would like to thank the community of Roscrea for its’ continuing invaluable support. If you wish to join please ring (087)2211227 or fill in our on-line application at www.roscreascouts.com October 12th: Scout News The weekend of October 9th to 11th saw three scouts take part in the National Mountain Pursuit Challenge (MPC’s) in the Mourne Mountains in Ulster. Billy Breen Slattery, Kalen McNamara and Tommy Ryan walked some 20 kilometres with full pack over 3 days and 2 nights. Following the Mourne Mountain Wall they climbed Slieve Bearnagh, Slieve Meelmore, Slieve Beg and Slieve Loughshannagh. Kalen and Tommy have now completed 3 of the 4 National MPC’s with only the Munster Challenge to tackle next April.
On Saturday 10th the Cub Section took part in the first County Cub Event of the year in Birr Castle. A great day was had by all and the Cubs who took part earned their first badge of the year (National Track & Trail Award). September 20th: Scout News
At the Scouts end of Year Awards Night; Group Leader Francis Minogue reflected upon another extremely successful scouting year. Annual Camp in Jersey in July 2008 with some 50 Scouts & Ventures in attendance; Cub Camp in Larch Hill; Beaver Slumbernight in Srahan; both the Scouts & Cubs qualifying to represent the County at the National Challenge Day; the Mini Olympics for Cubs in Roscrea and many other meetings, activities and weekends away were noted. Francis thanked the leader team, parents and the community of Roscrea for their continuing support of the Scout Group, which continues to be one of the biggest in the Midlands. In particular, thanks was paid to Geraldine Keary for her service as Beaver Section Leader over the past few years. Looking forward upcoming events including Annual Camp in Castlegregory; the 2010 Camp planned for the Vendee in France and the Groups 40th anniversary in 201occasion where it is hoped to have representatives at the World Scout Jamboree in Sweden were all highlighted. A great, thanks goes to the leaders and all the Scouts involved in planning the End of Year Scouts Own; it was an excellent occasion. Well done to all the youth members on receiving many hundreds of badges and awards reflecting the huge and varied programme enjoyed over the past year. Particular congrats to the main award winners on the night:
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