Ed Byrne Celebrates 50 Years of Adventure at Tollymore National Outdoor Centre
Well known comedian Ed Byrne swapped punchlines for paddling last weekend as he took part in celebrations to mark Tollymore National Outdoor Centre’s 50th anniversary.
“Tollymore National Outdoor Centre, which is owned and operated by Sport Northern Ireland, is located at the foot of the Mourne Mountains. The Centre has been providing skills and leadership training in paddle sports, orienteering, mountaineering and rockclimbing for half a century.
Over the course of the weekend, keen outdoor enthusiast Ed experienced a sample of what the Centre offers – sea-kayaking from the picturesque Strangford harbour to Kilclief Castle on Friday and striding across the majestic Mourne peaks Slieve Donard and Commedagh on Saturday.
Saturday evening saw a gala celebration in Tollymore National Outdoor Centre, providing an opportunity for past ‘graduates’ of the Centre – from governing bodies of sport, local community and voluntary organisations such as Mourne Mountain Rescue and the National Trust and a host of local activity providers – to renew old acquaintances and reflect on the cumulative impact of 50 years of adventure, skills and leadership development through the Centre.
The evening was hosted by Ed Byrne, who regaled and entertained the audience of invited guests, with contributions from George Lucas (Sport NI Chairperson), Cllr Mark Murnin (Chairman, Newry, Mourne & Down District Council) and Lord Roden, (Special Guest) who held those present spellbound with his tales of growing up in Tollymore 50 years ago. Looking forward, Caris McKnight, a student on TNOC’s Instructor Development Programme spoke passionately about her hopes for the future and a career in outdoor adventure activity.
John News, (Acting Director of Participation and Facilities), Antoinette McKeown (Sport Northern Ireland CEO), Ed Byrne, Cllr. Mark Murnin, (Chairman of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council), George Lucas (Sport Northern Ireland Chair), Trevor Fisher (Centre Manager) Tony Murphy (Department for Communities) Tracy Smyth (Business Manager)
George Lucas, Sport Northern Ireland Chair said ‘Tollymore National Outdoor Centre is undoubtedly the best and most iconic national outdoor facility in Ireland. Over the last 50 years it has held nurtured deep connections with people, nature and communities enabling Tollymore to thrive as the only national outdoor centre on the island of Ireland.
“Over the last five decades many diverse groups of people have come here to form their own connections and achieve the growth that comes when we are presented with an outdoor challenge and meet it through new found technical skills and personal resilience. On behalf of Sport Northern Ireland I would like to thank all the individuals, groups and organisations who have supported and used the Centre over the last 50 years, and look forward to writing the next chapter in the proud story of Tollymore over the coming years.”
Tony Murphy, Head of Sports Branch, Department for Communities, said: “The Tollymore National Outdoor Centre has made a significant contribution over the past 50 years to the growth of the outdoor activities sector in Northern Ireland by providing essential skills to individuals and groups. The reach of those who have worked in and trained at the centre stretches across Europe and the World, this is testament to the emphasis at the centre of providing the highest quality instruction and learning. The celebration event was in keeping with those high standards and was a credit to the staff who organised it.”
Ed Byrne said “I absolutely love the outdoors, so I was delighted to get the opportunity to be part of Tollymore’s 50th anniversary. Tollymore is a fantastic centre that really provides the outdoors experience with great instructors and activities, there was rarely a dull moment, from kayaking in Strangford to exploring in the Mournes. Plus it was a bonus to tick Slieve Donard, Commedagh and Bearnagh off my list. As the only National Outdoor Centre in Ireland, Tollymore offers something for everyone, whether it’s at a slow or fast pace, this Centre caters for all. As soon I find a 6 day gap in my schedule I’m coming back to the centre to do the Mountain Leadership Award course.”
The formal element of the evening concluded with the planting of the first of fifty Mountain Ash trees donated by the Mourne Heritage Trust. Sport NI Chief Executive, Antoinette McKeown, acknowledged the contribution that we can each play in the future sustainability of our planet and invited guests to plant their own 50th anniversary commemorative Tollymore acorn.
Tollymore focuses on the development of leadership and skills across a range of adventure activities skills and in outdoor activities, to drive increased participation and improved performance in sport and physical recreation. Programmes are delivered by dedicated, experienced and qualified staff who share a commitment to offer a world class learning experience to everyone that comes through the doors.
Current situation
As you are probably aware the current advice from the Northern Ireland Executive, Health Promotion Agency NI and Health & Safety Executive NI, as well as our expert group within Sport NI is that we cannot deliver any face to face courses for our customers including use of the Hot Rock Climbing Wall.
We know that you and many others like minded folk are very keen to get back on track with your plans to attend and complete a range of personal skills training and qualifications in a range of disciplines.
Believe us when we say we are equally keen to get outside with you and help you reach your goals and complete that journey.
How do we know? Because every day we get emails and phone calls asking when will courses resume and with every NI Executive mention of easing of restrictions the emails and phone calls are more frequent……