Stage 100: Total distance around Ireland, so far: 3,727 kilometres (2,316 miles) 

Remember the crazy idea is to run around Ireland - strictly by the COAST- and once or twice a month since it all started back in Feb 2017. After completing the whole coast of  ULSTER (2017-2019), I've since run around the coast of CONNACHT (2020-2023). I'm now tackling the province of MUNSTER and I've already completed Co. Clare and have arrived in Limerick City. I'm taking a winter break now but I will be back in February to continue into counties Limerick and Kerry. See earlier blogs for full story since the beginning of this adventure. It's now called the ''ROSEDALE & CLIFTON Coastal Run''. In the past it has been dedicated to Clifton Special School in Bangor, Co. Down where my son Brian attended for fourteen years. I'm now supporting a special school in Galway City, ROSEDALE Special School and dedicating all profits from my CONNACHT BOOK (recently published) to Rosedale. Also, I had a Book Launch in Charlie Byrnes in Galway City recently - still signed books available there in the shop in Galway or from me in the Bangor/North Down/Ards area (free delivery) where I live. WhatsApp me on 00-44-(0) 7725613308 for more details or buy book through Amazon.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=connacht+coastal+run.

Next Stages: I'm now going to take a winter break until February 2025 and then I'll continue from Limerick City to Askeaton - and in March/April onto Co. Kerry. If you are thinking of joining me or want more information please email me on gerry@oboyleaccounting.com or ring/text/WhatsApp me on 00 44 (0) 7725613308.

Stage 100: Shannon, Co. Clare to Limerick City: Saturday 28 September 2024: 26.2km or 16.3 miles

Taking an inner route to avoid busy dual carriagway

“It’s the same old theme, since 1916. In your head, in your head, they’re still fighting with their tanks and their bombs and their bombs and their guns’’ From Zombie by Limerick’s Dolories O’Riordan and the Cranberries

I arranged to meet Roisin at the parkrun in Shannon.  Even though it’s called Illaunmanagh parkrun it doesn’t feel in any way like an island. However, it is on the banks of Shannon Estuary, and I think some of these wetlands were reclaimed from the sea when they were building the new town.

Roisin and me at Shannon parkrun

I lived and worked in Shannon in the mid 1980’s so it’s strange being back here. It was and still is, an unusual and different type of place compared to your average Irish town. One thing I did observe is that Shannon now seems to be proudly part of Co. Clare. Back in the 1980’s it felt more like it was in ‘no man’s land’ – a new town without any county affiliation. Today the blue and gold colours of Co. Clare are prominent all over the surrounding estates and Shannon is very much part of the Banner County.  

They’re a friendly bunch at the parkrun and very interested in hearing about the Coastal Run idea. The course itself follows a lovely trail through the forest and these forest paths are another great addition to Shannon’s development. I don’t remember them here in the 1980’s. Knowing we have to run all the way to Limerick City I decide to take it easy on the parkrun. Roisin has other ideas, isn’t so cautious and starts to increase the pace. I’m determined to stay with her as she picks up speed and we end up finishing fourth and fifth. It turns out that the man who finished ahead of us in third place, Eamonn Morgan is also from Kilfenora where Roisin lives. Eamonn then joins us for a mile or two on our way to Limerick City.

Roisin & Eamonn - two Kilfenora people

Leaving Shannon, we take the first right turn at the roundabout to Ballycassey (A471) The plan is to run towards Bunratty, but avoiding the main N18 road. (It’s not a motorway but a very busy dual carriageway). We make a mistake here of taking a left turn on this road too early. We should have taken a right turn further on! Eventually we do find the right road on the L3136, signposted to ‘McCabes B&B’. 

Bunratty Castle

We’re glad to stop at Bunratty. It’s turned out to be a beautiful day and Roisin and I are able to enjoy our break at the famous Durty Nelly’s Pub and sit outside in the sunshine in front of Bunratty castle. Afterwards we do have to run on the N18 for about 1500 metres. At least there’s a fairly wide hard shoulder and soon we take a left turn on the Well Road and head for Cratloe.

Outside Durty Nellys in Bunratty

With Roisin in Bunratty

Readers might be wondering why we’re taking this inland route. My reckoning is that firstly, there is no proper coastal path or even country road to Limerick and secondly it would be too dangerous to run on the busy N18. Hopefully the ‘Coastal Audit Committee’ will accept this explanation, especially as our inland route will take us even longer to reach Limerick.

Even though I once lived in Shannon and Limerick, I’ve never been on this Cratloe Road before. This area is referred to in ancient history and folklore in the ‘Annals of the Four Masters’. They explain how, years ago in Cratloe, Crimthann Mac Fidaig, the High King of Ireland was poisoned by his sister, Mongfind who wanted her own son to be king. She ended up taking her own poison in an attempt to convince her brother that it was alright to drink. It wasn’t safe to take and both siblings died.

Leaving Co. Clare and crossing into Co. Limerick 

We continue on this quiet country road and soon Roisin and I reach the Co. Limerick border. That’s another milestone with Co. Clare now completed. I’m very satisfied with this achievement, considering that in May and June, I was out of action for about seven weeks with my foot injury. 

Thomond Park - home of Munster Rugby

Shortly we come to Thomond Park, the home of Munster Rugby. We go inside for a wee look. I’ve always been fascinated how rugby is such a big sport in Limerick City. The ground has been modernised and now can hold an attendance of 25,600. However, up to the last century the capacity was only 13,000. Yet in 1992, 18,000 crammed into the stadium for a local Limerick derby between Shannon and Garryowen. The most famous match to be played at Thomond was in 1978 when Munster shocked the All Blacks (New Zealand) by 13-0. There’s even a play called ‘Alone It Stands’ by John Breen which celebrates that special evening. That phrase ‘Alone It Stands’ comes from a line in the song ‘There is an Isle’ which is Shannon Rugby Club’s anthem. Shannon RFC is based in Limerick City around the banks of the river, and they also play their home matches at Thomond. As we cross the River Shannon onto Kings Island, we spot a poster with the opening lines of the afore mentioned song.

“There is an Isle, a bonnie isle, stands proudly from the sea and dearer far than all the world, is that dear isle to me’

'There is an Isle'  Shannon's Rugby Club's Anthem

Crossing the River Shannon for the very first time is another event to celebrate. It’s only taken me 3,727km to cross the bridge to St. John’s Castle. I’m remembering a time I lived in Limerick in the 1980’s. I wouldn’t say it was a happy place for me because when I was here, I struggled with work and trying to find my way in the world. Roisin also doesn’t have great memories of Limerick, so we had some serious conversations as we make our way through the city. 

Roisin at John's Castle

At St. John's Castle by the River Shannon

It’s a busy Saturday afternoon but we finally reach Limerick Station where we have time for a drink and sandwich before getting the bus back to Shannon to collect our cars. Delighted that stage 100 is now complete!

Mural of the late (and great) Dolores O'Riordan from The Cranberries

Roisin heading to Limerick Station