University of Galway Mountaineering Club - User contributions [en]

User talk:Anna

2026-05-20T08:38:35Z

ClubDomination2025: Welcome!

'''Welcome to ''University of Galway Mountaineering Club''!'''
We hope you will contribute much and well.
You will probably want to read the [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Special:MyLanguage/Help:Contents help pages].
Again, welcome and have fun! [[User:ClubDomination2025|ClubDomination2025]] ([[User talk:ClubDomination2025|talk]]) 08:38, 20 May 2026 (UTC)

The Maamturks Challenge

2026-05-19T15:59:00Z

ClubDomination2025:

The Maamturks Challenge is an annual hillwalking event run by the mountaineering club since 1975. The walk runs from Maam to Leenane across the Maamturks Range, and is about 25km long with 2500m ascent. It is highly regarded in both Ireland and beyond, and reputed to be Ireland's second most challenging hillwalking event [https://mountainviews.ie/newsletters/month/2020-05/]. It is the pride and joy of the club and the pinnacle of the academic year, with massive amounts of club resources being poured into the event to ensure its continuation. For many years now it has occurred in the first weeks of April, coinciding with the end of teaching but before exams to maximise volunteer attendance.

Many graduated club members return each year to either volunteer to steward checkpoints or to attempt the challenge itself, and it has been the source of much club lore over the years. The history of this great event can be read [https://ugmc.ie/maamturks/history/ here].

All current information about the event should be taken from the [https://ugmc.ie/maamturks/ Maamturks Challenge website], this wiki article serves to preserve anecdotal tales of the Club's greatest endeavour.

== Organisation ==
The Maamturks Challenge is planned and executed by the Maamturks Challenge Organising Sub-Committee (OSC) appointed by the Committee each year before November. Volunteering for the Sub-Committee is open to any club member and alumni, and is extremely rewarding.

== Anecdotes ==

The Maamturks Challenge

2026-05-13T12:20:05Z

ClubDomination2025:

The Maamturks Challenge is an annual hillwalking event run by the mountaineering club since 1975. It is highly regarded in both Ireland and beyond, and reputed to be Ireland's second most challenging hillwalking event [https://mountainviews.ie/newsletters/month/2020-05/]. It is the pride and joy of the club and the pinnacle of the academic year, with massive amounts of club resources being poured into the event to ensure its continuation. For many years now it has occurred in the first weeks of April, coinciding with the end of teaching but before exams to maximise volunteer attendance.

Many graduated club members return each year to either volunteer to steward checkpoints or to attempt the challenge itself, and it has been the source of much club lore over the years. The history of this great event can be read [https://ugmc.ie/maamturks/history/ here].

== Organisation ==

== The Route ==

=== Checkpoints ===

=== Finishes ===

The Maamturks Challenge

2026-05-13T12:19:55Z

ClubDomination2025:

The Maamturks Challenge is an annual hillwalking event run by the mountaineering club since 1975. It is highly regarded in both Ireland and beyond, and reputed to be Ireland's second most challenging hillwalking event [https://mountainviews.ie/newsletters/month/2020-05/]. It is the pride and joy of the club and the pinnacle of the academic year, with massive amounts of club resources being poured into the event to ensure its continuation. For many years now it has occurred in the first weeks of April, coinciding with the end of teaching but before exams to maximise volunteer attendance.

Many graduated club members return each year to either volunteer to steward checkpoints or to attempt the challenge itself, and it has been the source of much club lore over the years. The history of this great event can be read [https://ugmc/ie/maamturks/history/ here].

== Organisation ==

== The Route ==

=== Checkpoints ===

=== Finishes ===

Truly Wise Ticklist

2026-05-13T12:14:11Z

ClubDomination2025:

This ticklist of hikes, scrambles and climbs is for the truly wise mountaineers.

==Hikes==

===Maamturks Challenge===
The Ultimate club hike, at 25-30km and ~2500-2800m of elevation it is a big day out. Starting at Corcóg and finishing in Leenane is the traditional and reccomended direction. The Col of Despondency (aka Radiance) lives up to its name and is best overcome in a silent continous march.

The challenge can be combined with walking back to Maam on the road to create the ultimate torture hike.

===Glencoaghan Horseshoe===

===Mweelrea Horseshoe===

===Maamtrasna===
[[Maamtrasna]] is an interesting day out with many different possible routes up it and endless wandering across its boggy platuea in search of its summit.

===Eochair===
[[Eochair]] is perhaps the greatest hike in the world and should be on the bucket list of all keen mountaineers

==Scrambles/Multipitches==

===Glencullin Ridge===
Starting from Doolough, up the ridge on the right side of Coum Dubh to finish on Ben Bury, can be combined with other scrambles from the Coum or scramble up the waterfall gully at L814693 to reach the base of the ridge.

===Carrot Ridge===
A classic outing on bens quartzite

===Ragged Ridge & Deckled Edge===
A pair of scrambles either side of a gully, both short but well worth the effort plus you get to pass the magnificent Eochair. Can do them both in a day if you have time and the energy to walk around

==Trad Climbs==

===€40 Patagonia Hat===
A true club classic

===Triumph Crack===

===Wackey===

===Ground Control===

===Jug City===

===Slave Labour===

===The Ramp===

===Route 32===

===Skywalker===

===Kleptomaniac===

===Ice Queen===

== Bonus Section (Forms) ==
Form filling is the 4th discipline of the club. We list below some of the finest forms you can fill in on behalf of mountaineering pursuits.

===The Medical Form===
An excellent form that you must do at least once a year lest you be heckled every single club event. Those who fill it in at the very beginning of the year without being asked are truly wise.

===The MI DLOG===
The Mountaineering Ireland Digital Log (DLOG) is form in the truest sense - it is extremely painful to use. It's short timeout and lack auto-save while logging a hike or climb means you will find yourself writing the same thing more than once. This is actually a feature implemented to allow you to memorise your ascents.

===Waivers===
Any waiver, at any time, is a great form to sign. Yes I declare I know I will die, yes I declare it's not your fault.

===The Maamturks Challenge Volunteer Signup Form===
Only the most truly wise of club members fill out this form. It is the single best thing you can do with your time, and you will be immensely refreshed afterwards.

===The Club Equipment Rental Form===
This actually exists. You're not supposed to just take the stuff...

Truly Wise Ticklist

2026-05-13T12:13:45Z

ClubDomination2025: added some forms

This ticklist of hikes, scrambles and climbs is for the truly wise mountaineers.

==Hikes==

===Maamturks Challenge===
The Ultimate club hike, at 25-30km and ~2500-2800m of elevation it is a big day out. Starting at Corcóg and finishing in Leenane is the traditional and reccomended direction. The Col of Despondency (aka Radiance) lives up to its name and is best overcome in a silent continous march.

The challenge can be combined with walking back to Maam on the road to create the ultimate torture hike.

===Glencoaghan Horseshoe===

===Mweelrea Horseshoe===

===Maamtrasna===
[[Maamtrasna]] is an interesting day out with many different possible routes up it and endless wandering across its boggy platuea in search of its summit.

===Eochair===
[[Eochair]] is perhaps the greatest hike in the world and should be on the bucket list of all keen mountaineers

==Scrambles/Multipitches==

===Glencullin Ridge===
Starting from Doolough, up the ridge on the right side of Coum Dubh to finish on Ben Bury, can be combined with other scrambles from the Coum or scramble up the waterfall gully at L814693 to reach the base of the ridge.

===Carrot Ridge===
A classic outing on bens quartzite

===Ragged Ridge & Deckled Edge===
A pair of scrambles either side of a gully, both short but well worth the effort plus you get to pass the magnificent Eochair. Can do them both in a day if you have time and the energy to walk around

==Trad Climbs==

===€40 Patagonia Hat===
A true club classic

===Triumph Crack===

===Wackey===

===Ground Control===

===Jug City===

===Slave Labour===

===The Ramp===

===Route 32===

===Skywalker===

===Kleptomaniac===

===Ice Queen===

== Bonus Section (Forms) ==
Form filling is the 4th discipline of the club. We list below some of the finest forms you can fill in on behalf of mountaineering pursuits.

===The Medical Form===
An excellent form that you must do at least once a year lest you be heckled every single club event. Those who fill it in at the very beginning of the year without being asked are truly wise.

===The MI DLOG===
The Mountaineering Ireland Digital Log (DLOG) is form in the truest sense - it is extremely painful to use. It's short timeout and lack auto-save while logging a hike or climb means you will find yourself writing the same thing more than once. This is actually a feature implemented to allow you to memorise your ascents.

===Waivers===
Any waiver at any time, is a great form to sign. Yes I declare I know I will die, yes I declare it's not your fault.

===The Maamturks Challenge Volunteer Signup Form===
Only the most truly wise of club members fill out this form. It is the single best thing you can do with your time, and you will be immensely refreshed afterwards.

===The Club Equipment Rental Form===
This actually exists. You're not supposed to just take the stuff...

Captains

2026-04-10T07:35:17Z

ClubDomination2025:

List of Club Captains
*1. ?Tony Whilde 1970-71
*2. Tony Whilde 1971-72
*3. ?Tony Whilde 1972-73
*4. Barbara Buckley 1973-74
*5. Jane Watt 1974-75
*6. Jane Watt 1975-76
*7. John Carroll 1976-77
*8. Gerry Murray 1977-78
*9. Justin Brophy 1978-79
*10. Mairéad Ryan 1979-80
*11. Peadar O’Duffy 1980-81
*12. Ronan Gill 1981-82
*13. Paul Horan 1982-83
*14. Harry Walsh 1983-84
*15. John O’Shea 1984-85
*16. Elsa Hodgins 1985-86
*17. Seamus O’Mahony 1986-87
*18. Enda Mooney 1987-88
*19. Seán O’Brien 1988-89
*20. Joe Plunkett 1989-90
*21. Neil Mooney 1990-91
*22. Aethna Cooke 1991-92
*23. Ollwyn Gallagher 1992-93
*24. Martin Butler 1993-94
*25. Andrew McCarthy 1994-95
*26. Luke Hughes 1995-96
*27. Michéal Bolger 1996-97
*28. Sadbh Baxter 1997-98
*29. Ronan Concannon 1998-99
*30. Aoife Geraghty 1999-00
*31. Cathal Berry 2000-01
*32. Mark O’Callaghan 2001-02
*33. Niall McCurry 2002-03
*34. Thomas Reynolds 2003-04
*35. Michael Mannion 2004-05
*36. Sinéad Quinn 2005-06
*37. Liam Ó hAisibéil 2006-07
*38. Johnny Galway 2007-08
*39. Paul O’Flynn 2008-09
*40. Chiara Saladino 2009-10
*41. Istvan Andorko 2010-11
*42. Aengus Finnegan 2011-12
*43. Ronan McCaffrey 2012-13
*44. Nigel Burke 2013-14
*45. Cathal Breathnach 2014-15
*46. Ruairi O'Hogartaigh 2015 -16
*47. Jéromine Schmidt 2016 -17
*48. Ciara Mc Ellistrim 2017-18
*49. Gerard Mangan 2018-19
*50. Gerard Mangan 2019-20
*51. Cian Gleeson 2020-21
*52. Ciara Wall 2021-22
*53. Neil Dozio 2022-23
*54. Jack Reidy 2023-24
*55. Ella Bliss 2024-25
*56. Aodhán Gallagher 2025-26
*57. Anna McKernan 2026-27

---

Originally compiled October/November 2010, with the help of many current and former members. Particular thanks go to: Mark O’Callaghan, Pádraig Keirns, Marie Boran, Stephen McGrath, Aongus Ó hAonghusa, Richard Coughlan, Pat Mullany, Alacoque Sullivan, Ger O’Regan, Enda Mooney and Hermann Rasche.

There is some evidence that the origins of the club go back to 1968, but it is not known who was captain before 1970, if indeed there was such a structure in place. This list of names is not definitive, nor is its chronology, but is the closest I’ve been able to come to such a definitive list at the present time.

Aengus Finnegan Secretary 10-11

Captains

2026-04-10T07:33:56Z

ClubDomination2025: added next captain

Captains
*1. ?Tony Whilde 1970-71
*2. Tony Whilde 1971-72
*3. ?Tony Whilde 1972-73
*4. Barbara Buckley 1973-74
*5. Jane Watt 1974-75
*6. Jane Watt 1975-76
*7. John Carroll 1976-77
*8. Gerry Murray 1977-78
*9. Justin Brophy 1978-79
*10. Mairéad Ryan 1979-80
*11. Peadar O’Duffy 1980-81
*12. Ronan Gill 1981-82
*13. Paul Horan 1982-83
*14. Harry Walsh 1983-84
*15. John O’Shea 1984-85
*16. Elsa Hodgins 1985-86
*17. Seamus O’Mahony 1986-87
*18. Enda Mooney 1987-88
*19. Seán O’Brien 1988-89
*20. Joe Plunkett 1989-90
*21. Neil Mooney 1990-91
*22. Aethna Cooke 1991-92
*23. Ollwyn Gallagher 1992-93
*24. Martin Butler 1993-94
*25. Andrew McCarthy 1994-95
*26. Luke Hughes 1995-96
*27. Michéal Bolger 1996-97
*28. Sadbh Baxter 1997-98
*29. Ronan Concannon 1998-99
*30. Aoife Geraghty 1999-00
*31. Cathal Berry 2000-01
*32. Mark O’Callaghan 2001-02
*33. Niall McCurry 2002-03
*34. Thomas Reynolds 2003-04
*35. Michael Mannion 2004-05
*36. Sinéad Quinn 2005-06
*37. Liam Ó hAisibéil 2006-07
*38. Johnny Galway 2007-08
*39. Paul O’Flynn 2008-09
*40. Chiara Saladino 2009-10
*41. Istvan Andorko 2010-11
*42. Aengus Finnegan 2011-12
*43. Ronan McCaffrey 2012-13
*44. Nigel Burke 2013-14
*45. Cathal Breathnach 2014-15
*46. Ruairi O'Hogartaigh 2015 -16
*47. Jéromine Schmidt 2016 -17
*48. Ciara Mc Ellistrim 2017-18
*49. Gerard Mangan 2018-19
*50. Gerard Mangan 2019-20
*51. Cian Gleeson 2020-21
*52. Ciara Wall 2021-22
*53. Neil Dozio 2022-23
*54. Jack Reidy 2023-24
*55. Ella Bliss 2024-25
*56. Aodhán Gallagher 2025-26
*57. Anna McKernan 2026-27

---

Originally compiled October/November 2010, with the help of many current and former members. Particular thanks go to: Mark O’Callaghan, Pádraig Keirns, Marie Boran, Stephen McGrath, Aongus Ó hAonghusa, Richard Coughlan, Pat Mullany, Alacoque Sullivan, Ger O’Regan, Enda Mooney and Hermann Rasche.

There is some evidence that the origins of the club go back to 1968, but it is not known who was captain before 1970, if indeed there was such a structure in place. This list of names is not definitive, nor is its chronology, but is the closest I’ve been able to come to such a definitive list at the present time.

Aengus Finnegan Secretary 10-11

Rover Store

2026-04-09T20:44:38Z

ClubDomination2025:

The Rover Store was a mythical place full of quality tentage. It was located in the O'Halloran House, 18 Distillery Road, the weird bungalow between the Kingfisher and the Concourse. It has since been destroyed to make way for the new library.

==O'Halloran House==
O'Halloran House was split into at least 3 sections which were not connected to each other. At the front was the Rover Soc and Astro Soc stores. On the east end, there was a rock-cutting lab and on the west end, there was another rock-cutting lab. There was rumoured to be an upstairs to the building but no one knew how to get up there, the only evidence was there is a single upstairs window in the east gable end of the building. When security was asked if there was an upstairs they denied it raising even more suspicion as to what or who was kept up there.

==History==
Rover Soc first got access to the house in 2016, which at the time it shared with the computer society. The wardrobe was bought for five euros in a local charity shop and just about fitted into the back of a car. Prior to the house, the society had access to a locker in the back of the kingfisher which now stores the Maamturks equipment. It swapped this locker with the Mountaineering club for access to one of the large climbing lockers. A member of the society accidentally left milk in this locker, and the Kingfisher was forced to club the lock to access it because the smell was so bad.

The second room, used to be a dark room for developing film with blacked-out windows and red lights. It is unknown when exactly this dark room was used. At some point, Astro Soc began sharing the second room with CompSoc.

After Covid when the Society was being revived Socsbox lost their copy of the key to O'Halloran House and so did security. After bugging both of them for many months eventually access was regained. The committee at the time (Niall and Aodhán) had no idea what wonders were held in there.

In the second room, CompSoc had an array of bizarre items. Loads of old desktops and monitors, a blender, a kettle (which was commandeered for the climbing wall), a flip phone (which Cian Mulkern used for a month), an ancient Apple Mac, a radio which only kinda worked and much, much more.

In 2022/23 the Rover Soc got funding for a large equipment purchase. They decided that the front room would be too small for the magnitude of quality tentage that was going to be acquired. They emailed Compsoc asking for space in the second room for equipment. This was the first time the Compsoc Committee had heard they had a storeroom. After a few more emails and messages they agreed to give some space to Rover Soc. After a few more emails and messages they agreed to move some of their stuff. After a few more emails and messages they actually got around to moving their stuff. They cleared out everything they owned so now Rover Soc took over with Astro Soc still keeping a few telescopes in the corner.

==Destruction==
In September 2023, a planning notice at the back of the building was discovered stating that the university planned on knocking the store to build a new security office so they could knock the security office to build a new library. The society is currently trying to secure a new room with contenders in the film school and by the bike workshop.

Upon hearing that the store was going to be knocked the committee decided that they should sleep in the store before its gone. So on the 2nd of December 2023 3 intrepid rovers stayed the night in the store. It was surprisingly warm because the radiators in store were left on for several months by accident.

In January of 2024 the rovers were forced to vacate the property and in April the building was mercilessly destroyed. The rovers were moved to Rehearsal Room 1 of Block R where SocsBox kept their financial records until recently.

==Furnishings==
There were a number of peculiar features of O'Halloran House described below

===The Hand Dryer===

There was a hand dryer located in the bathroom of the front room. When turned on it produced the most vile burning smell. It was an extreme fire hazard.

===The Mould===

The fire escape instructions in a picture frame had mould growing in it. It was mostly contained to the picture frame thankfully.

===CompSoc First Aid Kit===

In the CompSoc room there was a first aid kit which was surprisingly well stocked. On it there is a label that says "Do not remove from 18 Distillery Road". It has become rover equipment and has been brought on several adventures outside of 18 Distillery Road

===Picture of Cathal===

There was a picture of Cathal Breathnach and someone else receiving an award from Christy McCann <3.

===The Bonk Mallet===

Upon reopening the store after Covid, a mallet that was on its last legs was discovered it would be extremely hazardous to use it for anything due to the large crack in the head. Using a sharpie the words bonk were written on it. It was pretty funny.

===The Moths===

For some reason there were an alarming number of moths in the store. They usually hung out on the ceiling in the compsoc room or between the sign and glass on the door as they desperately try to escape. There seemed to be consistently about 5-10 moths in residence in the store.

Climbing Wall

2026-04-09T20:40:06Z

ClubDomination2025:

{| class="wikitable" style="float:right; border:1px solid black"
|- style="text-align:center;"
! colspan="2" style="background-color:#c5f8c5;" | Kingfisher Climbing Wall
|-
! colspan="2" | [[File:kf.PNG|frameless|upright=1.1|center|alt=Exterior of the climbing wall]]
|-
| '''Location'''
| [https://maps.app.goo.gl/rns7CYDi1vLkGSuH8 <nowiki>53°16'55''N 9°3'42''W</nowiki>]
|-
|'''Wall Height'''
| 10m
|-
|'''Disciplines'''
| Bouldering, Top Rope, Lead
|}
The '''Kingfisher Climbing Wall''' (also known as '''The Climbing Wall''' or just '''The Wall''') is the Mountaineering Club's headquarters and primary place of residence for the climbing members. It is located within and owned by the Kingfisher Gym, but maintained, operated and wholly governed by the Club. It has been the 2nd capital of the Club for generations of students (the 1st capital being the entirety of Connemara), and one of two climbing gyms in Galway (the other being the Co-op).

There is much club lore to be found in the wall, and it is encouraged to have a gander at and ask about all the various bits, some have great stories behind them!

== History ==
The Wall first opened alongside the Kingfisher on the 7th of November 2008. Prior to this the club climbed in the Bailey Allen Hall in Áras na Mac Leinn (which was an altogether less-equipped affair). The prevailing understanding among UGMC historians is that the original plans included no cafe, and the wall would've wrapped around the central pillar, rather than only occupying 3 faces of it. This theory backed up by the otherwise inexplicable window and plaster wall through to the back of the cafe. It is unknown why the plans changed last minute, and historians can only speculate.

The wall was notably put beside the Club's best friend (the sports unit) and not too far from it's worst enemy (the [https://wiki.ugmc.ie/index.php?title=Rover_Store Rover Soc Shed]). Reasons for this may have been due to a dislike of mountains by the architect, but these are just rumours.

In 2024 the University demolished the Rover Soc shed. Despite the rivalry, the club mourned alongside their rover contemporaries, as the benefit of extremely close-by sleeping bags and tents was no more.

In 2025 the longstanding committee and gear cabinet was replaced, owing to concerns over it's strucural integrity (from more than one hit with an ice pick) and the fact that a new one was acquired for free from the sports unit. The cabinet had been in the wall for years and had developed quite the sticker collection from all over the world. Thankfully, in the infinite wisdom of the committee, this sticker panel was preserved at the wall for all to admire.

== Accidents & Incidents ==
There has actually never been an accident or injury in The Climbing Wall. It was in fact determined the safest place on campus, in Ireland, and even Europe, according to [[some people]].

== Native Creatures ==
There are many native inhabitants and creatures at The Climbing Wall.
=== Boulderer ===
The most dominant species are the 'Boulderers'. Despite their name are often found sitting on the bouldering mats, and not actually climbing. Often seen in a semi-awake state, they shout phrases like 'match you hands' or 'swap feet' in response to one of them actually attempting to boulder (which is frowned upon in their culture).

As the Summer months approach and the days get longer, this species can be seen undertaking their annual migration from the Kingfisher to the Co-op, where they will gather in groups to act in much the same way as they did in the Kingfisher, but now with much less natural light.

===Top Roper===
These creatures exist in pairs. Although not rare, a lone tope roper is extremely hard to come by, because of their intrinsic fear of asking someone they don't know to belay them. They often are seen with the boulderers, who they get on with very well. There exists a social hierarchy among the top ropers, based around who can do the incline or not.

===Lead Climber===
This species evolves from the top roper, after it has spent enough time at The Wall. Much rarer than the other two creatures, they believe themselves superior. They can be easily identified by their mating cry, where they shout 'ROPE', as they pull a rope out of the anchor to impress the other climbers.

===Social Night Attenders===
These creatures follow a strict hibernation cycle, only appearing at The Wall just before 9pm on a Tuesday, right before the social night. Zoologists believe it is due to them being afraid to walk along the canal to Monroes by themselves, as they are a very social (hehe) species. Few of these exist, because to be honest, its a bit of a sad existence.

===Rope Access Technicians===
Perhaps the ultimate form of inhabitant, due to this species discovery of a fundamental truth - The Climbing Wall wasn't meant for climbing. Armed with their ascenders, boots and gri-gri's they can often be seen simply "ascending" to heights and locations never thought reachable. A very curious species, the rope access technicians even discovered The Wall had openable windows, situated at the ceiling. Naturally, that made no difference to them, and the windows were accessed.

The Rope Accesss Technicians were mobilised to carry out a technical mission on the the 3rd of October 2025. Ellen from the sports unit made a call to the club to ask them to close the windows in the wall. The windows had been left open and the kingfisher staff were worried about them due to the storm raging outside. An elite strike team was tasked with the closing of the windows. The mission was successful with no damage sustained to the windows.

== The "Break Room" ==
A somewhat secret location at The Wall, The Break Room was rediscovered by Cillian, Neil and Aodhán. It is a large space situated behind the bouldering wall, approximately 4 by 6 metres. Despite being called The Break Room, it is not ideal for taking breaks in, as the copious levels of dust and the sketchy exit make it questionable.

Committee 2013/2014

2026-04-09T20:23:25Z

ClubDomination2025:

'''Captain:''' Nigel Burke

'''Hiking Vice-Captain:''' James O'Connell

'''Climbing Vice-Captain:''' Piaras Ó Giobúin

'''Secretary:''' Máire Cosgrove

'''Treasurer:''' Robin Leen

'''Equipment Officer:''' David Fahey

'''Public Relations Officer:''' Erika Miklos

'''Hiking Training and Safety Officer:''' Eric Van Lente

'''Climbing Training and Safety Officer:''' Mitch Miller

'''Hiking Registrar:''' Cathal Breathnach

'''Climbing Registrar:''' Cecile Collot

'''First Year Rep:''' Fionn Delahunty

'''OCM:''' Connor Jones

Committee 2012/2013

2026-04-09T20:22:31Z

ClubDomination2025:

'''Captain:''' Ronan McCaffrey

'''Secretary:''' Kevin Geoghegan

'''Treasurer:''' Mary O’Shea

'''Hiking Equipment Officer:''' Joe Egerton

'''Climbing Equipment Officer:''' Owen Hoare

'''Public Relations Officer:''' Jenny Cunningham

'''Hiking Vice-Captain:''' Vaclav Belak

'''limbing Vice-Captain:''' Sarah O’Toole

'''Hiking Training and Safety Officer:''' Dylan Byrne

'''Climbing Training and Safety Officer:''' Leah Kearney

'''Hiking Registrar:''' Eszter Kobory

'''Climbing Registrar:''' Piaras O Giobuin

'''First Year Rep:''' James O Connell

Committee 2011/2012

2026-04-09T20:21:50Z

ClubDomination2025:

'''Captain:''' Aengus Finnegan

'''Secretary:''' Conleth Mullen

'''Treasurer:''' Mona Jakob

'''Equipments Officer:''' Cormac Ryan

'''Public Relations Officer:''' Dylan Byrne

'''Climbing Vice-Captain:''' Ronan McCaffrey

'''Hiking Vice-Captain:''' Alicja Barczyńska

'''Climbing Training & Safety Officer:''' Leah Kearney

'''Hiking Training & Safety Officer:''' Anna O’Toole

'''Climbing Registrar:''' Noel Fitzpatrick

'''Hiking Registrar:''' Rhodri Ceredig

Committee 2009/2010

2026-04-09T20:21:06Z

ClubDomination2025:

'''Captain:''' Chiara Saladino

'''Vice-Captain:''' Nigel Burke

'''Secretary''': Aengus Finnegan

'''Treasurer:''' Shannon Kelly

'''Safety & Equipments Officer:''' Istvan Andorko

'''Public Relations Officer:''' Emilie Carliez

'''Climbing Officer:''' Shane Murphy

'''OCM:''' Ronan McCaffrey

'''OCM:''' Laura Moran

Committee 2026/2027

2026-04-09T20:20:39Z

ClubDomination2025:

'''Captain:''' Anna McKernan

'''Secretary:''' Caimin Reidy

'''Treasurer:''' Siobhán Ahern

'''Hiking Vice-Captain:''' Patrick Skamser

'''Climbing Vice-Captain:''' Lola Jordan

'''Equipment Officer:''' Harry Hughes

'''Public Relations Officer:''' Oisín McDonnell Killilea

'''Hiking Training and Safety Officer:''' Sandy Steele

'''Climbing Training and Safety Officer:''' Robert Donnelly

'''First Year Representative:'''

'''Trips Officer:''' Rebecca O'Neill

'''ECM 1:''' Hannah Borchers

'''ECM 2:''' Fianna Wall

'''ECM 3:''' Ben Schumacher

'''Committee Advisor:''' Kyle Conlon

Committee 2026/2027

2026-04-09T20:19:19Z

ClubDomination2025: added incoming committee

'''Captain:''' Anna McKernan

'''Secretary:''' Caimin Reidy

'''Treasurer:''' Siobhán Ahern

'''Hiking Vice-Captain:''' Patrick Skamser

'''Climbing Vice-Captain:''' Lola Jordan

'''Equipment Officer:''' Harry Hughes

'''Public Relations Officer:''' Oisín McDonnell Killea

'''Hiking Training and Safety Officer:''' Sandy Steele

'''Climbing Training and Safety Officer:''' Robert Donnelly

'''First Year Representative:'''

'''Trips Officer:''' Rebecca O'Neill

'''ECM 1:''' Hannah Borchers

'''ECM 2:''' Fianna Wall

'''ECM 3:''' Ben Schumacher

'''Committee Advisor:''' Kyle Conlon

Committee

2026-04-09T20:15:57Z

ClubDomination2025: added 26/27 committee

A list of current and previous committees

*[https://wiki.ugmc.ie/index.php?title=Committee_2026/2027 Committee 2026/2027]
*[https://wiki.ugmc.ie/index.php?title=Committee_2025/2026 Committee 2025/2026]
*[https://wiki.ugmc.ie/index.php?title=Committee_2024/2025 Committee 2024/2025]
*[https://wiki.ugmc.ie/index.php?title=Committee_2023/2024 Committee 2023/2024]
*[https://wiki.ugmc.ie/index.php?title=Committee_2022/2023 Committee 2022/2023]
*[https://wiki.ugmc.ie/index.php?title=Committee_2021/2022 Committee 2021/2022]
*[https://wiki.ugmc.ie/index.php?title=Committee_2020/2021 Committee 2020/2021]
*[https://wiki.ugmc.ie/index.php?title=Committee_2019/2020 Committee 2019/2020]
*[https://wiki.ugmc.ie/index.php?title=Committee_2018/2019 Committee 2018/2019]
*[https://wiki.ugmc.ie/index.php?title=Committee_2017/2018 Committee 2017/2018]
*[https://wiki.ugmc.ie/index.php?title=Committee_2016/2017 Committee 2016/2017]
*[https://wiki.ugmc.ie/index.php?title=Committee_2015/2016 Committee 2015/2016]
*[https://wiki.ugmc.ie/index.php?title=Committee_2014/2015 Committee 2014/2015]
*[https://wiki.ugmc.ie/index.php?title=Committee_2013/2014 Committee 2013/2014]
*[https://wiki.ugmc.ie/index.php?title=Committee_2012/2013 Committee 2012/2013]
*[https://wiki.ugmc.ie/index.php?title=Committee_2011/2012 Committee 2011/2012]
*[https://wiki.ugmc.ie/index.php?title=Committee_2010/2011 Committee 2010/2011]
*[https://wiki.ugmc.ie/index.php?title=Committee_2009/2010 Committee 2009/2010]
*[https://wiki.ugmc.ie/index.php?title=Committee_2008/2009 Committee 2008/2009]

Committee 2026/2027

2026-04-09T20:14:55Z

ClubDomination2025: Created blank page

Gweewhores 2026

2026-04-03T09:17:30Z

ClubDomination2025:

The trip report for '''2026 Club Trip to Donegal''' (also known as '''Gweewhores '26''' due to being 5km from a village called Gweedore... weak I know).
== Details ==
'''Date''': 14th-17th March 2026

'''Location''': Dunlewey, Donegal

'''Hostel''': Errigal Hostel - An Óige

== Hikes ==

=== Day 1 ===
The first day involved more of a hill & moorland walk to the Poison Glen & Glenveagh.
=== Day 2 ===
Day 2 saw the club send a reconnaissance expedition to scout the previously unconquered peak of Sliabh Sneachta in North Donegal.
== Climbs ==

=== Day 0 ===
Two intrepid mountaineers found themselves in Sligo a day early, planning to meet the bus in town the following morning. When they found out the bus wouldn't be there until 1pm, it was quickly decided an adventure was in order, and so they took on the crumbly scrambles and epic abseils of Anoch Ré Mór, an impressively deep crevasse hidden in the Ben Bulben massif. They encountered the safest anchors known to man, and at all times felt incredibly protected by the extremely-wise Sligo piton placement and threaded slings.

=== Day 1 ===
The climbers decided to brave the weather and went to Cruit. The crag they chose was the outdoor climbing wall, with a similar coefficient of friction to the walls of the kingfisher on the coarse granite, they were well at home.

=== Day 2 ===
The climbers once again decided to be brave and take on The Walled City aka Derry <s>aka Londonderry</s>. Some headed for the Foyle arena where they tried some decent routes (V0 in the kingfisher) and got mildly terrified by the autobelays (A foreign concept to the Kingfisher Climbers). Others headed out on a walking tour of the city, these "walkers" scaled the mighty city walls despite their lack of ankle supporting boots and looked at some murals.

As the bus had somehow ended up stuck in "traffic" in Clonmany, (scholars are working on theories that can explain how it got there) the climbers were forced to wait in the city for longer than expected. They based themselves in a Cafe Nero where they took turns venturing on missions around the shopping centre returning with assorted goodies such as free candyfloss.

== Events ==

===The Graduate Lounge===

Gweewhores 2026

2026-04-03T09:17:03Z

ClubDomination2025:

The trip report for '''2026 Club Trip to Donegal''' (also known as '''Gweewhores '26''' due to being 5km from a village called Gweedore... weak I know).
== Details ==
'''Date''': 14th-17th March 2026

'''Location''': Dunlewey, Donegal

'''Hostel''': Errigal Hostel - An Óige

== Hikes ==

=== Day 1 ===
The first day involved more of a hill & moorland walk to the Poison Glen & Glenveagh.
=== Day 2 ===
Day 2 saw the club send a reconnaissance expedition to scout the previously unconquered peak of Sliabh Sneachta in North Donegal.
== Climbs ==

=== Day 0 ===
Two intrepid mountaineers found themselves in Sligo a day early, planning to meet the bus in town. When they found out the bus wouldn't be there until 1pm, it was quickly decided an adventure was in order, and so they took on the crumbly scrambles and epic abseils of Anoch Ré Mór, an impressively deep crevasse hidden in the Ben Bulben massif. They encountered the safest anchors known to man, and at all times felt incredibly protected by the extremely-wise Sligo piton placement and threaded slings.

=== Day 1 ===
The climbers decided to brave the weather and went to Cruit. The crag they chose was the outdoor climbing wall, with a similar coefficient of friction to the walls of the kingfisher on the coarse granite, they were well at home.

=== Day 2 ===
The climbers once again decided to be brave and take on The Walled City aka Derry <s>aka Londonderry</s>. Some headed for the Foyle arena where they tried some decent routes (V0 in the kingfisher) and got mildly terrified by the autobelays (A foreign concept to the Kingfisher Climbers). Others headed out on a walking tour of the city, these "walkers" scaled the mighty city walls despite their lack of ankle supporting boots and looked at some murals.

As the bus had somehow ended up stuck in "traffic" in Clonmany, (scholars are working on theories that can explain how it got there) the climbers were forced to wait in the city for longer than expected. They based themselves in a Cafe Nero where they took turns venturing on missions around the shopping centre returning with assorted goodies such as free candyfloss.

== Events ==

===The Graduate Lounge===

Gweewhores 2026

2026-03-24T16:39:48Z

ClubDomination2025:

Records

2026-03-14T19:26:28Z

ClubDomination2025:

'''Use this page to include any fascinating feats or incredible records accomplished by the Club and its members'''

'''Quickest Bus Roll Call'''

Aodhán Gallagher- 64.56 seconds

------

'''Drove the bus to the club trip location :'''

NOD

------

'''Winner of the Best Performance of the Kerry Trip 2023 :'''

Neil Dozio and Liam Blake - for their Rasputin themed performance

------

'''Winner of the Halloween Dress up 2023 :'''

Cian Mason - for his pirate outfit

------

'''Winner of the Sh*ttest Shirt Night 2023 :'''

Leo Shneele

------

'''Highest Altitude Climbing Assessment:'''

Rían deBairéad - at 1038m on the summit of Carrauntoohil using the cross as a top-rope anchor

------

'''Recipient of the Sports Unit Unsung Hero Award 2023:'''

Niall O'Doherty - his singing talent has yet to be determined

------
'''Winner of "Star of the Night" Sports Ball 2023:'''

Jack Reidy - For his bugling

------

'''Winner of "Anything but a Cup Night" 28/03/2023:'''

Conor Gleeson - For his use of his Air fryer

------

'''Longest time taken to get from Keane's to Galway:'''

Christmas Party 2022 - 3 hours

------

'''Longest AGM:'''

Wednesday 22nd March 2023 - 3.5 hours

------

'''Most pints of Guiness drank in Keanes after a Sunday hike:'''

*Sean ó Ceallaigh - 5 pints
*Jana Westerburg 6.5 16/11/25
*Patrick 6 16/11/25
*Jaimie Donovan 5.5 16/11/25

------

'''Longest time planking:'''

Conor Roberts - Representing the Kayak Club, Massimo Quiz 2022

------

'''Winner of "Sh*t Shirt Night" Semester 1 2022:'''

Colin Underhill - "Catch up with Jesus" T-shirt

------

'''Worst Pint Poured:'''

David Hamilton

------

'''Most times nominated and seconded for election:'''

Rian Ó Murchú - nominated for every position and promptly seconded (AGM March 2023)

------

'''Best Bugler:'''

Neil Dozio

------

'''Longest time hanging from two arms:'''

Cillian Jordan - still going

------

'''Beginner Bouldering Competition:'''

2025 winners

Males: 1st - Will Hatch 2nd - Niall Howard 3rd - Matthew Williams

Females: 1st - Róise Ní Mhurchú 2nd - Marie Overesch 3rd - Anna-Sophie Reinke

2022 winners

Males: 1st - Cian Whelan 2nd - Rory McGowan 3rd - Kyler Erezuma

Females: 1st - Ciara Doody 2nd - Claire Koek 3rd - Ella Bliss

2021 winners

Males: 1st - Conor Glesson 2nd - Alan Daly 3rd - Kumar Shreyansh

Females: 1st - Leah O Driscoll 2nd - Eva O'Byrne 3rd - Sophie O'Byrne

2019 winners

Males: 1st - Neil Dozio 3rd - Caolon Kelly Delaney

Records

2026-03-14T19:25:41Z

ClubDomination2025:

'''Use this page to include any fascinating feats or incredible records accomplished by the Club and its members'''

'''Quickest Role Call'''

Aodhán Gallagher- 64.56 seconds

------

'''Drove the bus to the club trip location :'''

NOD

------

'''Winner of the Best Performance of the Kerry Trip 2023 :'''

Neil Dozio and Liam Blake - for their Rasputin themed performance

------

'''Winner of the Halloween Dress up 2023 :'''

Cian Mason - for his pirate outfit

------

'''Winner of the Sh*ttest Shirt Night 2023 :'''

Leo Shneele

------

'''Highest Altitude Climbing Assessment:'''

Rían deBairéad - at 1038m on the summit of Carrauntoohil using the cross as a top-rope anchor

------

'''Recipient of the Sports Unit Unsung Hero Award 2023:'''

Niall O'Doherty - his singing talent has yet to be determined

------
'''Winner of "Star of the Night" Sports Ball 2023:'''

Jack Reidy - For his bugling

------

'''Winner of "Anything but a Cup Night" 28/03/2023:'''

Conor Gleeson - For his use of his Air fryer

------

'''Longest time taken to get from Keane's to Galway:'''

Christmas Party 2022 - 3 hours

------

'''Longest AGM:'''

Wednesday 22nd March 2023 - 3.5 hours

------

'''Most pints of Guiness drank in Keanes after a Sunday hike:'''

*Sean ó Ceallaigh - 5 pints
*Jana Westerburg 6.5 16/11/25
*Patrick 6 16/11/25
*Jaimie Donovan 5.5 16/11/25

------

'''Longest time planking:'''

Conor Roberts - Representing the Kayak Club, Massimo Quiz 2022

------

'''Winner of "Sh*t Shirt Night" Semester 1 2022:'''

Colin Underhill - "Catch up with Jesus" T-shirt

------

'''Worst Pint Poured:'''

David Hamilton

------

'''Most times nominated and seconded for election:'''

Rian Ó Murchú - nominated for every position and promptly seconded (AGM March 2023)

------

'''Best Bugler:'''

Neil Dozio

------

'''Longest time hanging from two arms:'''

Cillian Jordan - still going

------

'''Beginner Bouldering Competition:'''

2025 winners

Males: 1st - Will Hatch 2nd - Niall Howard 3rd - Matthew Williams

Females: 1st - Róise Ní Mhurchú 2nd - Marie Overesch 3rd - Anna-Sophie Reinke

2022 winners

Males: 1st - Cian Whelan 2nd - Rory McGowan 3rd - Kyler Erezuma

Females: 1st - Ciara Doody 2nd - Claire Koek 3rd - Ella Bliss

2021 winners

Males: 1st - Conor Glesson 2nd - Alan Daly 3rd - Kumar Shreyansh

Females: 1st - Leah O Driscoll 2nd - Eva O'Byrne 3rd - Sophie O'Byrne

2019 winners

Males: 1st - Neil Dozio 3rd - Caolon Kelly Delaney

UG Mountaineering Club:General disclaimer

2026-03-03T10:18:38Z

ClubDomination2025: Created page with "Take nothing in this wiki seriously. Except for the constitution, take that very seriously."

Take nothing in this wiki seriously. Except for the constitution, take that very seriously.

UG Mountaineering Club:Privacy policy

2026-03-03T10:17:04Z

ClubDomination2025: Created page with "Follow [https://ugmc.ie/data-protection/ this link] to the UGMC privacy policy."

Follow [https://ugmc.ie/data-protection/ this link] to the UGMC privacy policy.

Talk:Main Page

2026-03-03T10:14:14Z

ClubDomination2025: Replaced content with "== Cheese == Thoughts?"

== Cheese ==

Thoughts?

True Wisdom

2026-02-23T23:08:55Z

ClubDomination2025: Created page with "A page dedicated to describing the phenomenon of being 'truly wise'."

A page dedicated to describing the phenomenon of being 'truly wise'.

UGMC Cyber Command

2026-02-22T18:01:10Z

ClubDomination2025:

[[File:Cybercommand.PNG|thumb|upright=0.6|"Have you tried sticking it up your arse?" The official motto & emblem of Cyber Command]]'''UGMC Cyber Command''' (officially known as the '''Webmaster Team''') is the team assigned with managing UGMC's many IT systems. They work in silence, slaving away at maintaining the rather surprising amount of IT infrastructure that the mountaineering club possesses. Appointment to a position in Cyber Command follows a mysterious procedure, and not much is known about this elusive and important group.
One of its members once described Cyber Commands operation style like so:

''I imagine this is how all changes to [UGMC's IT systems] have been made; in a highly concentrated sporadic burst after not having been touched for several years and by people who really should be doing assignments or studying.''

== History ==
The origins of the Webmaster Team is shrouded in secrecy. All that is known is that it was officially founded in 2015 by Nigel Burke, to administer the clubs new website. It has since vastly grown in scope and mandate, with the UGMC having possibly the most formidable IT setup of any club in Ireland.

== Services ==
The webmaster team operate the following services 24/7, without which the club machinery would grind to a halt.

* The Club Website
* The Club Webstore
* The Maamturks Challenge Website
* The Club Wiki
* Registered Climbers Database
* Club Equipment Database
* Committee Email Service
* Club-wide Mailing Service

== Hardware ==
In addition to IT services, the webmasters are in charge of some physical computer hardware.

=== The Club iPad ===
Serves as the walls official computer terminal for access to the registered climbers database, also as a portable means of accessing club IT systems while on trips. It serves a secondary purpose of keeping the fidgety committee members quiet on the bus with the plethora of games installed. An explicit ban on the app "Clash of Clans" has been in place since 2023. Rory McGowan attempted to strong-arm the webmasters into lifting this ban with a constitutional amendment at the 2025 AGM, but was swiftly defeated when the fact was realised that the webmasters would just ignore him.

The iPad got a holiday when Liam Blake a.k.a. Guillome LeBlanc [https://wiki.ugmc.ie/index.php/Liam%27s_Adventure took it to France as his boarding pass].

=== The External Hard Drive ===
Contains the cold backup of most club IT systems, alongside videos and pictures from years gone by. A true time capsule of the club.

Most likely to...

2026-02-22T16:34:00Z

ClubDomination2025: added a new record

'''Tell their MSA Instructor they rope soloed Howling Ridge'''

Oisín McDonnell Killea

'''Request that the club buys a quad bike after one 'hike' to the crag:'''

Liam Blake

------
'''Join the Club Trip on one hours notice:'''

Hannah O'Donnell

------

'''Let the club cut his hair:'''

Rory McGowan

------

'''Become a bus tour guide in Kerry:'''

Niall O Doherty

------

'''Cancel on the morning of the club trip:'''

Conor Gleeson

------

'''Drive in the wrong lane:'''

Aoife Doyle

------

'''Get someone's name wrong on an Award Nomination:'''

The Sports Unit

------

'''Stay up all night:'''

Colin Underhill

------

'''Volunteer during the Summer at the World Scout Center :'''

Jack Reidy, Aodhan Gallagher, Cian Mason, Ella Bliss, Grainne Sweeeney, Niall O Doherty

------

'''Chip their competitors teeth playing Sp*ons:'''

Hannah O Donnell & Caolan Kelly-Delaney

------

'''Take half an hour to tell a story:'''

Lennart

------

'''Get confused by Welsh peak names:'''

Jack Reidy

------

'''Smell like Cheese:'''

Brendan Doyle

------

'''Fall Asleep on on any occasion:'''

Cian Mason

------
'''Win the Mountaineering table quiz:'''

The Kayak Club :O

------

'''Get passed by the bus:'''

Caoimhe McInstry

------
'''Win at Mario Kart:'''

Shane Donnellan

------

'''Be banned from the UL climbing wall:'''

Aodhán Gallagher

------

'''Lose their Voice for an entire Semester:'''

Vera Wenker

------

'''Play Spoons:'''

Joe Mee

------

'''Order a double Cheesburger:'''

Caolon "Double Cheese" Kelly-Delaney

------

'''Complete an Everest challenge up Eochair:'''

Liam Lang

------

'''Join a band:'''

Cillian Jordan

------

'''Mistake Ben Gabhar for Ben Lettery:'''

Conor Gleeson

------

'''Forget something (or everything):'''

Cian Mason

-----

'''Become homeless because he spent all his money on climbing equipment:'''

Neil Dozio

-----

'''Pour the worst pint known to man:'''

David Hamilton

-----

'''Embezzle funds:'''

Definitely not Niall anyways

-----

'''Gaslight the entire group chat:'''

Ciara Doody

-----

'''Drink a pint of Guiness out of a nalgene:'''

Kyler

-----

'''Live in a van:'''

Connie Gleeson

-----
'''Take a nap at the climbing wall :'''

Clara Libal

-----

'''Be an influencer'''

Thomas the Schindoodler

-----

UGMC Cyber Command

2026-02-22T16:31:16Z

ClubDomination2025:

[[File:Cybercommand.PNG|thumb|upright=0.6|"Have you tried shoving it up your arse?" The official motto & emblem of Cyber Command]]'''UGMC Cyber Command''' (officially known as the '''Webmaster Team''') is the team assigned with managing UGMC's many IT systems. They work in silence, slaving away at maintaining the rather surprising amount of IT infrastructure that the mountaineering club possesses. Appointment to a position in Cyber Command follows a mysterious procedure, and not much is known about this elusive and important group.
One of its members once described Cyber Commands operation style like so:

''I imagine this is how all changes to [UGMC's IT systems] have been made; in a highly concentrated sporadic burst after not having been touched for several years and by people who really should be doing assignments or studying.''

== History ==
The origins of the Webmaster Team is shrouded in secrecy. All that is known is that it was officially founded in 2015 by Nigel Burke, to administer the clubs new website. It has since vastly grown in scope and mandate, with the UGMC having possibly the most formidable IT setup of any club in Ireland.

== Services ==
The webmaster team operate the following services 24/7, without which the club machinery would grind to a halt.

* The Club Website
* The Club Webstore
* The Maamturks Challenge Website
* The Club Wiki
* Registered Climbers Database
* Club Equipment Database
* Committee Email Service
* Club-wide Mailing Service

== Hardware ==
In addition to IT services, the webmasters are in charge of some physical computer hardware.

=== The Club iPad ===
Serves as the walls official computer terminal for access to the registered climbers database, also as a portable means of accessing club IT systems while on trips. It serves a secondary purpose of keeping the fidgety committee members quiet on the bus with the plethora of games installed. An explicit ban on the app "Clash of Clans" has been in place since 2023. Rory McGowan attempted to strong-arm the webmasters into lifting this ban with a constitutional amendment at the 2025 AGM, but was swiftly defeated when the fact was realised that the webmasters would just ignore him.

The iPad got a holiday when Liam Blake a.k.a. Guillome LeBlanc [https://wiki.ugmc.ie/index.php/Liam%27s_Adventure took it to France as his boarding pass].

=== The External Hard Drive ===
Contains the cold backup of most club IT systems, alongside videos and pictures from years gone by. A true time capsule of the club.

Connemara snapping turtle

2026-02-07T18:56:10Z

ClubDomination2025: uploaded images to wiki files to ensure their safety and changed links accordingly

[[File:Connemara_snapping_turtle.png|right]]
The '''Connemara snapping turtle''' (''Chelydra serpentina occidentalis'') is a large freshwater [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/turtle turtle] of the [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/family_(biology) family] [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Chelydridae Chelydridae]. Its natural range is within [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Connemara Connemara] and [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Joyce_Country Joyce Country], in the west of the [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Republic_of_Ireland Republic of Ireland]. A close relative of the [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/common_snapping_turtle common snapping turtle], found in North America, it is the only species of snapping turtle to inhabit Western Europe.

The Connemara snapping turtle, similar to its North American counterpart, is noted for its combative disposition when out of the water with its powerful beak-like jaws, and highly mobile head and neck (hence the [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/species specific] name ''serpentina'', meaning "[https://wikipedia.org/wiki/snake snake]-like"). In water, they are likely to hide in sediment, awaiting the disturbance of the surface by passing animals which they predate. They have been known to attack animals as large as [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/red_deer red deer].

Connemara snapping turtles have a life-history strategy characterized by high and variable mortality of embryos and hatchlings, delayed sexual maturity, extended adult longevity, and [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/semelparity_and_iteroparity iteroparity] (repeated reproductive events) with low reproductive success per reproductive event. Connemara snapping turtle mature later (at 16-22 years) and at a significantly larger size than their American progenitors, ''C. serpentina''. Lifespan in the wild is unknown, but is expected to be similar to that of ''C. serpentina'', up to 100 years (based on long-term mark-recapture data Algonquin Park in Ontario, Canada).

==Anatomy and morphology==
[[File:conn_snap2.jpeg|thumb|left|upright=0.6|The head of a young Connemara snapping turtle at six months.]]

''C. S. occidentalis'' has a rugged, muscular build with ridged carapaces (particularly in mature males). The [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/carapace carapace] (upper shell) length in adulthood may be nearly 80cm, though 40-60cm, is more common. ''C. S. occidentalis'' usually weighs 24-41kg. Males are larger than females, with almost all animals weighing in excess of 31kg being male and quite old, as the species continues to grow throughout life. Any specimen above the aforementioned weights are exceptional, but the heaviest wild specimen caught reportedly weighed 67kg.

==Ecology and life history==

Common habitats are shallow [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/pond ponds] or [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/streams streams]. Some may inhabit [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/brackish_water brackish] environments, such as [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/estuary estuaries]. Connemara snapping turtles sometimes bask - though rarely observed - by floating on the surface with only their carapaces exposed, though they also readily bask on grass in early spring. In shallow waters, they may lie beneath a muddy bottom with only their heads exposed, stretching their long necks to the surface for an occasional breath (their nostrils are positioned on the very tip of the snout, effectively functioning as snorkels). Snapping turtles [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/omnivore consume both plant and animal matter], and are important aquatic scavengers, but they are also active hunters that prey on anything they can swallow, including many [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/invertebrate invertebrates], [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/fish fish], [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/frog frogs], unwary [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/bird birds], and [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/mammal mammals]. Connemara snapping turtles have been a menace to [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/sheep_farming sheep farming] in their range, as they occasionally attack and badly injure sheep, despite being unable to consume them.

Connemara snapping turtles have few predators when older, but eggs are subject to significant predation by [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/crow crows] and [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/fox foxes]. As hatchlings and juveniles, foxes will continue to attack them. Other natural predators which have reportedly preyed on adults include [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/red_deer red deer].

These turtles travel extensively over land to reach new [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/habitat habitats] or to lay [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Egg_(biology) eggs]. Pollution, [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/habitat_destruction habitat destruction], food scarcity, overcrowding, and other factors drive snappers to move; it is quite common to find them traveling far from the nearest water source. This species mates from April through November, with their peak laying season in June and July. The female can hold [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/spermatozoa sperm] for several seasons, using it as necessary. Females travel over land to find sandy soil in which to lay their eggs, often some distance from the water. After digging a hole, the female typically deposits 25 to 80 eggs each year, guiding them into the [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/nest nest] with her hind feet and covering them with sand for incubation and protection. Incubation time is temperature-dependent, ranging from 9 to 18 weeks. Hatchlings overwinter in the nest. The Connemara snapping turtle is remarkably cold-tolerant.

== Behavior ==
In their environment, they are typically at the top of their food chain, causing them to feel less fear. When they encounter a species unfamiliar to them such as humans, they usually react aggressively, ramming the feet or locking their jaws onto the ankle of a person they come into contact with, sometimes causing [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/bone_fractures bone fractures]. They are particularly attracted to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hiking hillwalkers], perhaps due to the bright-coloured clothing they typically wear. This behaviour, however, is not displayed by the young, who will usually slip quietly away from any disturbance or may seek shelter under mud or grass nearby. Snapping turtles are believed to have evolved the ability to snap because, unlike other turtles, they are too large to hide in their shells when confronted; snapping is their defense mechanism.

== Captivity ==
The Connemara snapping turtle is unsuitable to keep domestically, and indeed is categorized as an illegal [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/exotic_pet exotic pet] in the [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Republic_of_Ireland Republic of Ireland]. Veterinary care is best left to a reptile specialist.

Connemara snapping turtles were formerly kept in captivity in [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Dublin_zoo Dublin zoo], however they were removed in 2008 due to an incident resulting in the death of several [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/penguin penguins], and the loss of a zookeeper's foot. There is an absence of concern for the conservation of their species as they are relatively abundant in [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Connemara_National_Park Connemara National Park].

It is a common misconception that snapping turtles may be safely picked up by the tail with no harm to the animal; in fact, this has a high chance of injuring the turtle, especially the tail itself and the [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/vertebra vertebral column]. Lifting the turtle with the hands is difficult and dangerous. Snappers can stretch their necks back across their own carapace and to their hind feet on either side to bite. When they feel stressed, they release a musky odor from behind their legs.

==External links==
*[http://www.chelydra.org The Snapping Turtle Page - www.chelydra.org]

File:Conn snap2.jpeg

2026-02-07T18:50:21Z

ClubDomination2025:

File:Connemara snapping turtle.png

2026-02-07T18:50:06Z

ClubDomination2025:

User talk:Skamser

2025-12-28T18:50:52Z

ClubDomination2025: Welcome!

Fuckross 2023

2025-12-09T22:20:30Z

ClubDomination2025: put rian's log in italics

The '''2023 Club Trip to Muckross, Killarney''', also known as '''Fuckross 2023''' took place in semester 1 of the 2023/24 academic year.

== Details ==
'''Date''': 27th - 30th October 2023

'''Location''': Killarney, Kerry

'''Hostel''': Muckross Youth Venture Centre

== Hikes ==

=== Day 1 ===
Both hikes tackled Carrauntoohil from the Hydro road, the long hike went over the benkeeragh ridge and the short went over the caher ridge. Both hikes continued on and descended via the zig zags

=== Day 2 ===
The second day went up mangerton
== Climbs ==

=== Day 1 ===
The first day the climbers headed to Bothán in the Gap of Dunloe, it was quite damp so after some anchor building workshopping they headed indoors to the killarney wall
=== Day 2 ===
The climbers braved Bothán again with limited success in the rain.

==Scrambling==
On the second day, 6 mountaineers went up Howling Ridge in slightly damp conditions.
== Events ==
===Rory's "Haircut"===
==Rian's Log==
''Hello!
''My name is rian o murchu. I was on the club trip there in killarney with the club. Good trip overall. I was told by aodhan to write this so if you aren’t enjoying this contact aodhan at smashthemash@gmail.com. Cheers in advance, well it all began at the kingfisher , good enough weather and we where getting the bus packed and all that. Jack lost the keys of the locker then, massive bummer dude. The bus was a grand drive down to Kerry, wasn’t many problems thankfully.

''We went into the lidl then in killarney and bought wat we all needed for the trip. lots of drink was purchased thankfully. We landed at the hostel and all got sorted, got straight to making dinner and made meself and another buck some curry, the tent was put up aswell for me and my date, very rosemantic. We drank that night and a few of us went to the abbey on a skits mission, niall! Showed it to us and made it very interesting due to his voice.

''The second day I was still drinking until I went to bed and I woke at 6:30 , very hateful, I was put on the long hike up carrauntuohill. It was fairly good day to be fair and there was plenty of craic, the long and short group met at the top coincidently. Wahwaweewa. the group got a wee hot chocolate at the bottom and jesus it put the horn on the snowman. The bus took us back and we had showers and ate and that. Few people where drinking and a few games where played. Not much I remember after that.

''I woke up the third day thankfully, I went on the scramble on carrrauntuohill and it was some day for it, weird how the weather changes so quick isn’t it , anyways the scramble was fun aodhan was leading on it also and he placed shit loads of gear, bad going some buck though. It was my 4 th time up that mountain but it was my first time getting a view. Worth it though. We landed back to the hostel and me and my brother made steaks and mash and that sort of gravy. Something good before destroying our bodies with alcoholism. Everybody got very drunk, few men handled it well. Rory shaved his head, I giggled ngl. Low key hottie now though. I went to bed early enough in the morning.

''After my 2 hours sleep it was a new day hup. It would be handy if a year had 13 months. The morning was busy as everyone was packing and cleaning. The bus was on route and all was packed into it once she arrived. I swear I hated that drive cause the tummy felt like road kill. Anyways we did a cheeky stop in decathlon in limerick and a break for fresh air. We arrived back anyways safely with very few deaths, shoutout to LK. Anyways if you made it this far then you know more about the trip than me at this stage so fair play. Ill see yis all again at the next trip. keep up to date with my daily vlog on Christiansmingle.ie.

How to

2025-12-09T21:57:22Z

ClubDomination2025: added AI warning

== Warning ==

This wiki is an archive of the vernacular and a means of immortalising our humorous, wise and creative members and traditions via their contributions. Hence it is this wiki's policy that no articles shall be created by or with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Any found use of AI will result in a warning and the removal of the offending piece. Further offenses will lead to the deletion of your account.

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User talk:Ellabliss

2025-12-01T15:36:43Z

ClubDomination2025: ClubDomination2025 moved page User talk:Elladbliss to User talk:Ellabliss: Automatically moved page while merging the user "Elladbliss" to "Ellabliss"

User talk:Ellabliss

2025-11-18T17:33:39Z

ClubDomination2025: Welcome!

Glyder? I Hardly Know Her 2025

2025-11-12T09:26:48Z

ClubDomination2025: added some links

== Details ==
'''Date''': 24th-27th October 2025

'''Location''': Ogwen Valley, Wales

'''Hostel''': Caseg Fraith Hut

== Hikes ==

=== Day 1 ===

==== Torture Hike ====
(''The following article contains entirely factual information, no exaggeration or poetic license was used.'')

The Torture Hike was set to climb up the north ridge of Tryfan and continue on to Glyder Fach and Fawr, finally ending in Bethesda. Unfortunately the club neglected to make a sacrificial offering before undertaking the hike and the mountain chose to make our hike more "fun".
 Like the warriors of old they set off along the road to the base of the mountain. Upon arrival the group decided the extreme weather wouldn't be challenging enough and a grade 1 scramble would be necessary to maximise the days enjoyment. (This would prove to be a very wise decision perchance).
 Having scrambled up to the cloud line, spirits were high. The scramble, altough much more challenging than anticipated had proved to be very rewarding and all members performed exceptionally. However things were about to change drastically.

Go tobann, soon after entering the clouds the winds picked up considerably, bringing hurricane force squalls, which caused some hike leaders to stumble on more than one occasion (allegedly). The rain began again properly and this time without pause, instead becoming more vicious and turning into hail that lacerated the skin on more than one occasion. The torture hikers were not deterred however and soldiered on until they came to the place that would come to be known as "the approach to the slab".

Here during a brief pause it was discovered that one of the hikers had severe frostbite in all of his fingers. Through the efforts of all involved he was thankfully saved and made a full recovery later, (although some say he never truly returned from the mountain, instead it was the ghost of his fingers [this author is a firm believer in this theory]).

Having climbed the "steps" (each many metres high), leading up to the slab a bold scouting crew went in search of some shelter to regroup.
 Conditions were extreme on the slab with '''vertical snow''', exposed cliff edges and winds that threatened to rip the hikers from the top of the mountain. Thankfully a small sheltered grassy ledge was found by the brave mountaineers, Matthew and Robert. Here hikers poured tea over their fingers and sang [[Anthems#Grace|Grace]] to boost morale.
[[File:Tryfan.jpg|thumb|Photo in front of 'Sion a Siân' (notice only the frostbitten fingers of a certain mountaineer came out in the photo)]]
After a some consideration it was determined that the best and safest way off the mountain would be to continue up to the peak and descend on the other side. Unfortunately no one knew about the leap between 'Sion a Siân' or (Adam and Eve) to gain the freedom of Tryfan, so after a quick photo the descent began.

After a brief but cordial interaction with another mountaineering club, who had taken the easier (boring) route up the descent began. On reaching a stone wall the storm shelters were brought out so lunch could be taken in relative warmth and comfort.

The rest of the hike consisted of the weather clearing and providing some spectacular views as well as morale lifting, so much so that by the time the group reached the main road again, they were quite spread out.
 On reaching the hut a shocking discovery was made - the short hikers had taken '''all''' of the available drying space, despite the fact that much of their gear was in fact bone dry.
 Heinous, nay laughable accusations were also made that the short hike was longer than the torture hike, which obviously couldn't possibly be true, otherwise why would it be called the short hike?

A schism was formed in the group that afternoon however it was thankfully healed quickly through dry clothes, a coal fire and a shared resentment of the climbers who had spent the day in Ibiza.
::''Torture Hike by Robert''

''Fun fact: Tryfan was actually used as a [https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wales/carneddau-and-glyderau/walking-and-climbing-on-tryfan training ground] for Everest by many famous historical mountaineers, including the renowned Edmund Hillary.

==== Short Hike ====
They got a bit wet but had fun.

=== Day 2 ===

If people thought the day 1 torture hike was hard, they had no clue what was in stock for them on day 2. With the weather expected to only be worse, high command decided that it was time the hikers ventured where no hiker had ventured before; the ''Slate Quarry''. Usually a climber-only domain, the hikers finally decided to see what all the fuss was about. They braved gravelled paths, slippy steps and the odd cave as they briskly strolled around this alien terrain. It was truly the most superb experience any hiker had ever had on a club trip and possibly the greatest feats of endurance ever recorded.

After a few hours people got bored and so Llanberis was descended on, wherein a few of the gang tried the newly reopened "Pete's Eats", a former climbers restaurant, now turned very bougie. The sunday roast was had, well deserved after a day's graft in the quarry. After this, the club made it's long awaited return to [https://wiki.ugmc.ie/index.php/Snowboner_2023#The_Heights The Heights], where the thirsht was quenched as we waited for the bus.

== Climbs ==

=== Day 1 ===
After seeing the forecast for the weekend, some desperate research was conducted to find a crag that could provide some climbing despite the atrocious conditions.

The conclusion was the best option was to go Tremadog which supposedly benefits from the "Rain shadow" of the mountains. While that sounded quite fantastical it was the better than the guaranteed rain every else.

On that morning the webcams in tremadog were looked at, with the conclusion it was dark outside so it was impossible to see if it was actually raining. Faced with no better option the drive was begun and lo an behold the weather steadily improved with it eventually stopping raining and the odd patch of blue skies could be seen. The group was praising the genius of the committee and those who had considered going hiking were very thankful of their decision.

The approach was extremely damp but spirits remained high, upon arrival the rock seemed damp but with some climbable routes. The hope at this stage was for the weather to remain dry and in an hours time the rock would be fully dry. However unfortunately every time the rock contemplated drying off a shower would appear. This left most routes with wet cracks and the occasional waterfall from the seeping vegetation.

Despite this, a bottom rope was rigged and with some extremely damp hand jams, the wall was ascended. 3 brave climbers quested up the damp face on lead and made it to the top where their seconds were promptly rain on to ensure the route would be sufficiently challenging.

Half way through the day the sun came out briefly, the torture hike were immediately rung to show them the sunshine. They did not seem very pleased and quickly hung up as they were dealing with some minor frostbite...

=== Day 2 ===
On the second day the group split between the slate quarry, Bangor and the nearby "Indy climbing gym". The climbing gym was very cool- arguably better than the kingfisher, though I don't think anyone would risk the wrath of the wall by saying that out loud though.
Indy had auto-belayers, graded climbs, a 'mushroom' bouldering yoke- (mildly intimidating), and some really rad overhangs.

Everyone had a great time there and was wrecked by the time it came to leave.

== Events ==

=== Bus Music ===
It was discovered that it was possible to connect to the bus speakers through bluetooth. Alex the driver somehow continued to allow people to connect to it despite [[Anthems#Killeagh|Killeagh]] being played every 5 mins at questionable volumes.

An honourable practice of starting a spotify jam was started, which caused many arguments, but overall made for a good balanced playlist- (for the most part).

=== The Lounge ===
As a result of Reaney's messing up the passenger list, which was not helped by the dublin gate agents not bothering to check if the list on the way over was correct (it wasn't so that might be a crime but we won't worry about it). Anyways we spent an eternity (30 mins) at the gate trying to convince them certain internationals were real people travelling, not spies with fake identities and there were in fact not two people with the same name and they were actually just on the list twice. However as a result of our extended stay at the check in gate it was noticed that stena lines hand out little cards to people who have booked the [https://www.stenaline.ie/my-pages/my-benefits/stena-plus-lounge plus lounge]. These cards contained the code to access the lounge and were in plain view of anyone who knew where to look. The code was mentally noted in case they decided we weren't breaking international law and smuggling illegal immigrants.

Eventually once we got onto the ferry, a group set up camp outside the lounge with a direct line of sight to the door. There was a stena lines employee checking guests in at the door, so the mountaineers continued casing for other sources of weakness. Then after a 30 minutes stakeout the door was left unattended with the only line of defence being the key code to open the door. A few guests were observed putting in the code and entering the lounge with no attention from the staff.

The plan was simple, Niall was our talker, if the heat caught on he might be able to keep it cool and walk away clean. His M.O: Go in, scope it out and report back. The the rest of the crew would follow in two-man teams. The rendesvous point: A table in the centre of the lounge, strategically positioned for maximum sightlines, multiple exits and a clear shot at the target package - the brownies.

However almost the instant we begun, the plan started falling apart. Niall made it inside the perimeter, but was quickly compromised by the tea station. Unable to resist he began making a cup and the comms went quiet. Aodhán and Conor quickly followed but were also distracted by the selection of snacks and brownies. However, they made it to the rendezvous where they made contact with the team on the outside. The rest of the team made their way in and just like that, they were in. They ransacked the buffet and extracted the score (a selection of snacks, cheese, biscuits and hot beverages) all while "enjoying a relaxed ambience with gorgeous sea views".

== Liam's Log ==
11/11/2025

''Hello fellow and future mountaineers, my name is [https://wiki.ugmc.ie/index.php/People#Guillome_LeBlanc Liam] (my second name is not [https://wiki.ugmc.ie/index.php/People#Liam_Lang Lang]), and I have been asked to recount the latest club trip by the (for now) captain Aodhán Gallagher. So, this trip was to Snowdonia-esque area, I think there were big mountains called the Glyders? And a big one called Tryfan? (that is not a joke, I’m no hiker and I refuse to look up the routes (someone may fact check me here is they want)) I suppose the beginning is as good a place to start as any, so we met at the kingfisher at about 10ish and put all the gear on (I am not committee anymore so I feel quite used in this aspect). Then we set off on the bus ride, and what a journey it was. The presidential election was having its vote taken at the same time, so all the conversations were very politically informed. We stopped along the way at some supermarket place, but I ended up going to Marks and Spencer (Notions). Then once we had resupplied our rations we set off once more and eventually made it to the ferry. It was quite an eventful ferry with a lot of poker played, and a grand total of £15 was taken home by yours truly. It was my first time on a ferry that wasn’t the little dinghy that takes you from Kilimer to Tarbart, or Doolin to Inis mor, and I must say what a piece of machinery. If you are thinking about going on the abroad trip for mountaineering, I’d say, just go for the ferry alone. We then made a quick stop in Tesco to get more provisions and made it to the accommodation (finally). And what an accommodation it was. It was a hut in the middle of nowhere, that for that weekend housed 40 odd mountaineers. There was 1 flight of stairs and let me tell you, you were lucky not to take flight every time you went down them. As aforementioned I don’t hike but those stairs were akin to an Everest ascent I believe they were THAT steep. The first night was comprised of more poker (we won’t talk about who won) and getting to now all the new faces that were joining us. We woke up then the next morning at some crazy hour like 7ish. It was PISSING rain, but nevertheless we were all excited to get the day going. Myself and the rest of the climbers got in the but and were chilling waiting for everyone to be ready, and that is when I saw the funniest sight I have ever seen. All the hikers started to trot past the bus with the grimmest looks on their faces, and I must reiterate the point it was PISSING. Never been happier to see a flock of hikers. We then went on the bus for about an hour and made it to the climbing spot, and the sun was splitting the stones (hehehe). The climbing was grand, the rock was a bit slippy from the rain the night before (which is why I failed on my climbs), but we got some routes done and were happy out. We then went to this random town and got a load of fudge which was good craic. We then went back to the hut and got showered and freshened up. Then it was time for the theme night, which was pyjama night. I wore my bathrobe and if there was a prize for the comfiest, I would have came away with trophies. During that night I am told I devoured a lot of box wine which I purchased on the ferry. The box game was played, and I only remember that from the pain in my groin in the morning. I’d be lying if I said I remembered the whole night but from the flashes I do remember it was a very fun night. The next day the hikers went on a “walk” around the quarry while us real mountaineers went on a trip to a climbing wall. We passed the town with the longest name, and Bangor (I hardly know her… hehe). The wall was actually class and was the best part of the trip to me. We then all met up in the height’s pub, and that too was savage craic. Really wholesome everyone just happy to see each other and buying each other presents in the climbing shops. I personally bought boot bananas (look it up) and was ecstatic with that purchase. We then went back to the hut and on the way, I went fishing in the stream under the driveway for about 2 hours and caught nothing (there was no, liken physical way fish could be there). I then met the landowner of the hut, who invited me to go fishing with him and his friends the next morning which was very nice. (I slept in and never saw the man again ☹). The theme for this night was then Halloween costumes, in which I was a fish (cause I’m a great catch ladies). It was a great night and again can’t remember much. But I have photos on my phone in this exact timeline.''

*Someone wearing the UGMC logo on their face holding a monster can
*A luigi face planting on the floor mid splits
*A tree taping themselves to a kayaker
*A prisoner climbing through a window clutching some box wine
*Myself shaving my face at 12 o’clock at night
*Me and the devil in a French screaming match
*A detective lurking outside the window
*A nun with chest hair on a dark country lane

''Now I Know that sounds like the plot to a bad hangover sequel, but that’s what you get on a mountaineering trip. For the remainder of the night, we played the finger game, then went to bed. The next morning, we got everything done in record time, like the clean up and getting everyone on the bus (because I hid for the whole morning hehe). We then went off in the bus where I caught a few Z’s and was awoken when we got to a seaside town, which was the mystery stop. I went in for a swim for the first time in the Welsh sea, which I thought everyone was doing, but alas I was alone. We then went and got a bite to eat, at a place that had 1/5 stars for hygiene (some say there are still some mountaineers with chronic food poisoning from there) but the food tasted great. We then left and arrived at the ferry and ended up waiting for about an hour due to scheduling issues. The customs then asked for 6 volunteers to be searched (don’t try to understand the Welsh, just roll with it) and we somehow made it without getting caught. We then finally made it onto the ferry, where we played another poker game (again don’t ask), and I heard some of the sneakier mountaineers made it into the VIP lounge ( I was there, its very boring) and then the ferry finally landed on terra firma. (That’s Welsh for Ireland) The bus then made its way back to the kingfisher where our adventure finally ends. Right thank you all for reading this desperate attempt to a recounting, I must go try catch some Irish fish for a change. Slán''

Glyder? I Hardly Know Her 2025

2025-11-12T09:23:58Z

ClubDomination2025: /* Liam's Log */

== Details ==
'''Date''': 24th-27th October 2025

'''Location''': Ogwen Valley, Wales

'''Hostel''': Caseg Fraith Hut

== Hikes ==

=== Day 1 ===

==== Torture Hike ====
(''The following article contains entirely factual information, no exaggeration or poetic license was used.'')

The Torture Hike was set to climb up the north ridge of Tryfan and continue on to Glyder Fach and Fawr, finally ending in Bethesda. Unfortunately the club neglected to make a sacrificial offering before undertaking the hike and the mountain chose to make our hike more "fun".
 Like the warriors of old they set off along the road to the base of the mountain. Upon arrival the group decided the extreme weather wouldn't be challenging enough and a grade 1 scramble would be necessary to maximise the days enjoyment. (This would prove to be a very wise decision perchance).
 Having scrambled up to the cloud line, spirits were high. The scramble, altough much more challenging than anticipated had proved to be very rewarding and all members performed exceptionally. However things were about to change drastically.

Go tobann, soon after entering the clouds the winds picked up considerably, bringing hurricane force squalls, which caused some hike leaders to stumble on more than one occasion (allegedly). The rain began again properly and this time without pause, instead becoming more vicious and turning into hail that lacerated the skin on more than one occasion. The torture hikers were not deterred however and soldiered on until they came to the place that would come to be known as "the approach to the slab".

Here during a brief pause it was discovered that one of the hikers had severe frostbite in all of his fingers. Through the efforts of all involved he was thankfully saved and made a full recovery later, (although some say he never truly returned from the mountain, instead it was the ghost of his fingers [this author is a firm believer in this theory]).

Having climbed the "steps" (each many metres high), leading up to the slab a bold scouting crew went in search of some shelter to regroup.
 Conditions were extreme on the slab with '''vertical snow''', exposed cliff edges and winds that threatened to rip the hikers from the top of the mountain. Thankfully a small sheltered grassy ledge was found by the brave mountaineers, Matthew and Robert. Here hikers poured tea over their fingers and sang [[Anthems#Grace|Grace]] to boost morale.
[[File:Tryfan.jpg|thumb|Photo in front of 'Sion a Siân' (notice only the frostbitten fingers of a certain mountaineer came out in the photo)]]
After a some consideration it was determined that the best and safest way off the mountain would be to continue up to the peak and descend on the other side. Unfortunately no one knew about the leap between 'Sion a Siân' or (Adam and Eve) to gain the freedom of Tryfan, so after a quick photo the descent began.

After a brief but cordial interaction with another mountaineering club, who had taken the easier (boring) route up the descent began. On reaching a stone wall the storm shelters were brought out so lunch could be taken in relative warmth and comfort.

The rest of the hike consisted of the weather clearing and providing some spectacular views as well as morale lifting, so much so that by the time the group reached the main road again, they were quite spread out.
 On reaching the hut a shocking discovery was made - the short hikers had taken '''all''' of the available drying space, despite the fact that much of their gear was in fact bone dry.
 Heinous, nay laughable accusations were also made that the short hike was longer than the torture hike, which obviously couldn't possibly be true, otherwise why would it be called the short hike?

A schism was formed in the group that afternoon however it was thankfully healed quickly through dry clothes, a coal fire and a shared resentment of the climbers who had spent the day in Ibiza.
::''Torture Hike by Robert''

''Fun fact: Tryfan was actually used as a [https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wales/carneddau-and-glyderau/walking-and-climbing-on-tryfan training ground] for Everest by many famous historical mountaineers, including the renowned Edmund Hillary.

==== Short Hike ====
They got a bit wet but had fun.

=== Day 2 ===

If people thought the day 1 torture hike was hard, they had no clue what was in stock for them on day 2. With the weather expected to only be worse, high command decided that it was time the hikers ventured where no hiker had ventured before; the ''Slate Quarry''. Usually a climber-only domain, the hikers finally decided to see what all the fuss was about. They braved gravelled paths, slippy steps and the odd cave as they briskly strolled around this alien terrain. It was truly the most superb experience any hiker had ever had on a club trip and possibly the greatest feats of endurance ever recorded.

After a few hours people got bored and so Llanberis was descended on, wherein a few of the gang tried the newly reopened "Pete's Eats", a former climbers restaurant, now turned very bougie. The sunday roast was had, well deserved after a day's graft in the quarry. After this, the club made it's long awaited return to [https://wiki.ugmc.ie/index.php/Snowboner_2023#The_Heights The Heights], where the thirsht was quenched as we waited for the bus.

== Climbs ==

=== Day 1 ===
After seeing the forecast for the weekend, some desperate research was conducted to find a crag that could provide some climbing despite the atrocious conditions.

The conclusion was the best option was to go Tremadog which supposedly benefits from the "Rain shadow" of the mountains. While that sounded quite fantastical it was the better than the guaranteed rain every else.

On that morning the webcams in tremadog were looked at, with the conclusion it was dark outside so it was impossible to see if it was actually raining. Faced with no better option the drive was begun and lo an behold the weather steadily improved with it eventually stopping raining and the odd patch of blue skies could be seen. The group was praising the genius of the committee and those who had considered going hiking were very thankful of their decision.

The approach was extremely damp but spirits remained high, upon arrival the rock seemed damp but with some climbable routes. The hope at this stage was for the weather to remain dry and in an hours time the rock would be fully dry. However unfortunately every time the rock contemplated drying off a shower would appear. This left most routes with wet cracks and the occasional waterfall from the seeping vegetation.

Despite this, a bottom rope was rigged and with some extremely damp hand jams, the wall was ascended. 3 brave climbers quested up the damp face on lead and made it to the top where their seconds were promptly rain on to ensure the route would be sufficiently challenging.

Half way through the day the sun came out briefly, the torture hike were immediately rung to show them the sunshine. They did not seem very pleased and quickly hung up as they were dealing with some minor frostbite...

=== Day 2 ===
On the second day the group split between the slate quarry, Bangor and the nearby "Indy climbing gym". The climbing gym was very cool- arguably better than the kingfisher, though I don't think anyone would risk the wrath of the wall by saying that out loud though.
Indy had auto-belayers, graded climbs, a 'mushroom' bouldering yoke- (mildly intimidating), and some really rad overhangs.

Everyone had a great time there and was wrecked by the time it came to leave.

== Events ==

=== Bus Music ===
It was discovered that it was possible to connect to the bus speakers through bluetooth. Alex the driver somehow continued to allow people to connect to it despite [[Anthems#Killeagh|Killeagh]] being played every 5 mins at questionable volumes.

An honourable practice of starting a spotify jam was started, which caused many arguments, but overall made for a good balanced playlist- (for the most part).

=== The Lounge ===
As a result of Reaney's messing up the passenger list, which was not helped by the dublin gate agents not bothering to check if the list on the way over was correct (it wasn't so that might be a crime but we won't worry about it). Anyways we spent an eternity (30 mins) at the gate trying to convince them certain internationals were real people travelling, not spies with fake identities and there were in fact not two people with the same name and they were actually just on the list twice. However as a result of our extended stay at the check in gate it was noticed that stena lines hand out little cards to people who have booked the [https://www.stenaline.ie/my-pages/my-benefits/stena-plus-lounge plus lounge]. These cards contained the code to access the lounge and were in plain view of anyone who knew where to look. The code was mentally noted in case they decided we weren't breaking international law and smuggling illegal immigrants.

Eventually once we got onto the ferry, a group set up camp outside the lounge with a direct line of sight to the door. There was a stena lines employee checking guests in at the door, so the mountaineers continued casing for other sources of weakness. Then after a 30 minutes stakeout the door was left unattended with the only line of defence being the key code to open the door. A few guests were observed putting in the code and entering the lounge with no attention from the staff.

The plan was simple, Niall was our talker, if the heat caught on he might be able to keep it cool and walk away clean. His M.O: Go in, scope it out and report back. The the rest of the crew would follow in two-man teams. The rendesvous point: A table in the centre of the lounge, strategically positioned for maximum sightlines, multiple exits and a clear shot at the target package - the brownies.

However almost the instant we begun, the plan started falling apart. Niall made it inside the perimeter, but was quickly compromised by the tea station. Unable to resist he began making a cup and the comms went quiet. Aodhán and Conor quickly followed but were also distracted by the selection of snacks and brownies. However, they made it to the rendezvous where they made contact with the team on the outside. The rest of the team made their way in and just like that, they were in. They ransacked the buffet and extracted the score (a selection of snacks, cheese, biscuits and hot beverages) all while "enjoying a relaxed ambience with gorgeous sea views".

== Liam's Log ==
11/11/2025

''Hello fellow and future mountaineers, my name is Liam (my second name is not Lang), and I have been asked to recount the latest club trip by the (for now) captain Aodhán Gallagher. So, this trip was to Snowdonia-esque area, I think there were big mountains called the Glyders? And a big one called Tryfan? (that is not a joke, I’m no hiker and I refuse to look up the routes (someone may fact check me here is they want)) I suppose the beginning is as good a place to start as any, so we met at the kingfisher at about 10ish and put all the gear on (I am not committee anymore so I feel quite used in this aspect). Then we set off on the bus ride, and what a journey it was. The presidential election was having its vote taken at the same time, so all the conversations were very politically informed. We stopped along the way at some supermarket place, but I ended up going to Marks and Spencer (Notions). Then once we had resupplied our rations we set off once more and eventually made it to the ferry. It was quite an eventful ferry with a lot of poker played, and a grand total of £15 was taken home by yours truly. It was my first time on a ferry that wasn’t the little dinghy that takes you from Kilimer to Tarbart, or Doolin to Inis mor, and I must say what a piece of machinery. If you are thinking about going on the abroad trip for mountaineering, I’d say, just go for the ferry alone. We then made a quick stop in Tesco to get more provisions and made it to the accommodation (finally). And what an accommodation it was. It was a hut in the middle of nowhere, that for that weekend housed 40 odd mountaineers. There was 1 flight of stairs and let me tell you, you were lucky not to take flight every time you went down them. As aforementioned I don’t hike but those stairs were akin to an Everest ascent I believe they were THAT steep. The first night was comprised of more poker (we won’t talk about who won) and getting to now all the new faces that were joining us. We woke up then the next morning at some crazy hour like 7ish. It was PISSING rain, but nevertheless we were all excited to get the day going. Myself and the rest of the climbers got in the but and were chilling waiting for everyone to be ready, and that is when I saw the funniest sight I have ever seen. All the hikers started to trot past the bus with the grimmest looks on their faces, and I must reiterate the point it was PISSING. Never been happier to see a flock of hikers. We then went on the bus for about an hour and made it to the climbing spot, and the sun was splitting the stones (hehehe). The climbing was grand, the rock was a bit slippy from the rain the night before (which is why I failed on my climbs), but we got some routes done and were happy out. We then went to this random town and got a load of fudge which was good craic. We then went back to the hut and got showered and freshened up. Then it was time for the theme night, which was pyjama night. I wore my bathrobe and if there was a prize for the comfiest, I would have came away with trophies. During that night I am told I devoured a lot of box wine which I purchased on the ferry. The box game was played, and I only remember that from the pain in my groin in the morning. I’d be lying if I said I remembered the whole night but from the flashes I do remember it was a very fun night. The next day the hikers went on a “walk” around the quarry while us real mountaineers went on a trip to a climbing wall. We passed the town with the longest name, and Bangor (I hardly know her… hehe). The wall was actually class and was the best part of the trip to me. We then all met up in the height’s pub, and that too was savage craic. Really wholesome everyone just happy to see each other and buying each other presents in the climbing shops. I personally bought boot bananas (look it up) and was ecstatic with that purchase. We then went back to the hut and on the way, I went fishing in the stream under the driveway for about 2 hours and caught nothing (there was no, liken physical way fish could be there). I then met the landowner of the hut, who invited me to go fishing with him and his friends the next morning which was very nice. (I slept in and never saw the man again ☹). The theme for this night was then Halloween costumes, in which I was a fish (cause I’m a great catch ladies). It was a great night and again can’t remember much. But I have photos on my phone in this exact timeline.''

*Someone wearing the UGMC logo on their face holding a monster can
*A luigi face planting on the floor mid splits
*A tree taping themselves to a kayaker
*A prisoner climbing through a window clutching some box wine
*Myself shaving my face at 12 o’clock at night
*Me and the devil in a French screaming match
*A detective lurking outside the window
*A nun with chest hair on a dark country lane

''Now I Know that sounds like the plot to a bad hangover sequel, but that’s what you get on a mountaineering trip. For the remainder of the night, we played the finger game, then went to bed. The next morning, we got everything done in record time, like the clean up and getting everyone on the bus (because I hid for the whole morning hehe). We then went off in the bus where I caught a few Z’s and was awoken when we got to a seaside town, which was the mystery stop. I went in for a swim for the first time in the Welsh sea, which I thought everyone was doing, but alas I was alone. We then went and got a bite to eat, at a place that had 1/5 stars for hygiene (some say there are still some mountaineers with chronic food poisoning from there) but the food tasted great. We then left and arrived at the ferry and ended up waiting for about an hour due to scheduling issues. The customs then asked for 6 volunteers to be searched (don’t try to understand the Welsh, just roll with it) and we somehow made it without getting caught. We then finally made it onto the ferry, where we played another poker game (again don’t ask), and I heard some of the sneakier mountaineers made it into the VIP lounge ( I was there, its very boring) and then the ferry finally landed on terra firma. (That’s Welsh for Ireland) The bus then made its way back to the kingfisher where our adventure finally ends. Right thank you all for reading this desperate attempt to a recounting, I must go try catch some Irish fish for a change. Slán''

Glyder? I Hardly Know Her 2025

2025-11-04T22:06:04Z

ClubDomination2025: added citation

Glendacock 2025

2025-11-01T12:54:33Z

ClubDomination2025: added photo

The '''2025 Club Trip to Glendalough''', also known as '''Glendacock 2025''' took place in semester 2 of the 2024/25 academic year. It was notable for numerous reasons, mainly for being the first collaborative club trip ever, which involved sharing the hostel between the UGMC and the University of Limerick Outdoors Pursuits Club (ULOPC).

53 members of the UGMC shared the 120 person hostel with about 60 of the ULOPC, in a bid to reduce cost and foster inter-university relations by the committee. Reviews from the club trippers found this did not help improve relationships, and numerous incidents, primarily [https://wiki.ugmc.ie/index.php/The_Bugle#The_Glendalough_Heist the Great Bugle Theft] caused many unfavourable opinions of the ULOPC to be developed.

[[File:St_patrick_appears_to_ugmc.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|St. Patrick appearing to the club on Log Na Coille, demonstrating that the club is truly favoured by his Lord Almighty.]]

== Details ==
'''Date''': 14th - 17th March 2025

'''Location''': Glendalough

'''Hostel''': Glendalough International Hostel

== Hikes ==

=== Day 1 ===
The first day involved a hike around the hills surrounding the Glendalough valley. The short hike left from the hostel and traversed the hills on the opposite side of the valley to Spinc until they reached the road by the hydro-power station.

The longer hike that day was billed as "the torture hike", which involved the same route as the short but rather than stopping at the power station, continuing on back to the hostel via the Spinc. The day's weather was glorious and some deer were encountered, some more dead than others... Despite the enjoyeable day, all hikers who undertook the torture route complained that it was anything-but, and was frankly a walk in the park (or garden, I should say).
=== Day 2 ===
Hiking VC Joe naturally took offense to the jibes at his route-making, so instructed the still-hungry torture hikers to walk back to the hostel from Log na Coille (Lugnaquilla), which was the location of the second days hike. While the short and medium hikers tackled Lug from opposite sides, the Torture group began marching up some different way, battling through the flattened Sitka forests. After summitting Lug they trekked onwards on the 30km walk back to the hostel, through valley and mountain, following Aodhán and his infinite supply of knock-off Tesco mars bars.

The weather stayed good and it was a grand day out. No complaints about route length were fielded this time.
== Climbs ==

=== Day 1 ===
The climbing gang headed off to Dalkey quarry for the day.
=== Day 2 ===
Day 2 was spent in the boulder fields of Glendalough, but some say that they spent more time at the nearby coffee van than climbing...
== Events ==

=== Emma's Return ===
Former club member and American exchange student Emma Shepherd returned to visit the club and [https://wiki.ugmc.ie/index.php/Emma%27s_Return to complete a forfeit]. This was a very wholesome moment, in an otherwise cruel world full of UL people.

=== The Apparition of St. Patrick ===
The final day of the club trip coincided with St. Patrick's day, on the eve of this holy day, an apparition of the Saint himself was seen leaving the holy monastic settlement (Glendalough International Hostel). He led a group of devote pilgrims to the highest point that side of the country. Upon the pulpit at the summit he delivered a sermon to his followers.

On the holy day itself he was again seen preaching to his congregation and blessing his day with some holy beer. He was later sighted again in the holy town of Newbridge, entranced by the tractors on display.

=== The Prank War ===
All agree that the UGMC-ULOPC prank war began when UL smeared [https://www.vaseline.com/us/en/p/vaseline-healing-jelly-original.html/00305212352009 Vaseline®] on the door handles of Club bedrooms. The club returned fire by using UL's own climbing rope to tie all of their door handles together. After this a truce was reached, however UL broke this truce with a most unforgiving act; [https://wiki.ugmc.ie/index.php/The_Bugle#The_Glendalough_Heist stealing the Club Bugle on the final day of the trip].

== Notable Food & Drink ==
Numerous food and drink was consumed. Here is some of the highlights.
=== The Egg Liquor ===
American exchange student Tarq was extremely cultured, so much so that he possessed the previously unheard of “Egg Liquor”. The bottle was sapphire blue, tall and thin, imported from an unknown source. The liquid itself was yellow and thick, like that of an egg yoke. The scholars at UGMC were incredibly confused by this substance and tried to fry it, mix it and scramble it. Ultimately it was decided that drinking it straight was the best method of consumption. The flavour could only be described as “eggy”. Multiple people, including Ex-Captain Jack, regretted the egg liquor in the morning.
===The UL Milk Fridge===
UL promised its members that there would be one litre of milk for every one of its denizens. The consequence of this was they needed to store it all. Despite there being limited fridge space, the vast greed of UL led them to filling one of two whole fridges with 3L cartons of milk. The UGMC helped themselves to as much of this milk as they could.

File:St patrick appears to ugmc.jpg

2025-11-01T12:50:40Z

ClubDomination2025:

Glyder? I Hardly Know Her 2025

2025-11-01T12:40:06Z

ClubDomination2025:

Glyder? I Hardly Know Her 2025

2025-11-01T12:37:37Z

ClubDomination2025:

Glyder? I Hardly Know Her 2025

2025-11-01T12:32:16Z

ClubDomination2025: added day 2 hike

User talk:Roberto

2025-10-30T11:47:56Z

ClubDomination2025: ClubDomination2025 moved page User talk:Robert to User talk:Roberto: Automatically moved page while merging the user "Robert" to "Roberto"

User talk:Roberto

2025-10-30T11:32:23Z

ClubDomination2025: Welcome!

Glyder? I Hardly Know Her 2025

2025-10-30T11:30:42Z

ClubDomination2025:

== Details ==
'''Date''': 24th-27th October 2025

'''Location''': Ogwen Valley, Wales

'''Hostel''': Caseg Fraith Hut

== Hikes ==

=== Day 1 ===

=== Day 2 ===

== Climbs ==

=== Day 1 ===

=== Day 2 ===

== Events ==

== Liam's Log ==

Trips

2025-10-29T10:17:23Z

ClubDomination2025: added hostel name

'''Trips & Hostels'''

Note: Please feel free to add any years you can, plus the name of the hostel.

2025/26
* Semester 1: Snowdonia (Caseg Fraith Mountain Hut)
* Semester 2:

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2024/2025

*Semester 1: Mournes (The Hutt Hostel)
*[https://wiki.ugmc.ie/index.php/Glendacock_2025 Semester 2: Glendalough (Glendalough International Youth Hostel)]

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2023/2024

*Semester 1: Killarney (Muckross Youth Venture Hostel)
*Semester 2: Snowdonia (Mountain View House)

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2022/2023

*Semester 1: Buncrana (Tullyarvan Mill Hostel)
*[https://wiki.ugmc.ie/index.php?title=Snowboner_2023 Semester 2: Snowdonia (YHA Snowden Ranger Hostel)]

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2021/2022

*Semester 1: No trip due to Covid-19
*Semester 2: Mournes (The Hutt Hostel)

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2020/2021

No trips due to Covid-19
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2019/2020

*Semester 1: Donegal (Dooey Hostel, Glencolumbkille)
*Semester 2: No trip due to Covid-19

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2018/2019

*Semester 1: Dingle (Dún Chaoin Youth Hostel)
*Semester 2: The Lake District (Denton House, Keswick)

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2017/2018

*Semester 1: Mournes (The Hutt Hostel)
*Semester 2: Wales (YHA Snowdon Bryn Gwynant)

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2016/2017

*Semester 1: Killarney (The Railway Hostel)
*Semester 2: Dingle (Dún Chaoin Youth Hostel)

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2015/2016

*Semester 1:Donegal (Aras Ghlenn Cholm Cille )
*Semester 2:Wales (Corris)

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2014/2015

*Semester 1: Dingle (Rainbow Hostel)
*Christmas: Scotland, Fort William (Inchree)
*Semester 2: The Lake District (YHA Buttermere)

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2013/2014

*Semester 1: Mournes (Hutt Hostel)
*Semester 2: Killarney(Fossa Camping Park)

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2012/2013

*Semester 1: Dingle
*Semester 2: Wales (YHA Snowdon Ranger)

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2011/2010

*Semester 1:
*Semester 2: Scotland

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2010/2009

*Semester 1: Wicklow (Rathdrum)
*Semester 2: Tipperary (The Mountain Lodge)

'''Also see [https://wiki.ugmc.ie/index.php?title=Adventures Adventures] for more camping and hotels locations.'''