Local teens take on the Mourne challenge

40 teams including a local group called the ‘Lagan Valley Explorers’ competed in a series of challenges including an eight-mile trek through the Mournes, travel via Rigid Inflatable Boats from Dundrum Bay to Ballykinler beach, all the while completing command tasks designed to test decision making, leadership and above all, teamwork.

The event was organised by several stakeholders; Newry and Mourne and Down District Councils, the Fire & Rescue Service, the National Trust, the Police Service of Northern Ireland, Civil Defence, the Coastguard and the MoD. It was supported by lead sponsor, support services company Carillion plc.

Coordinator of the event, Huw Morgan, from 38 Irish Brigade said; “The first Mourne Mountain Adventure has been an unqualified success. The young men and women who completed the hike through the mountains, the RIB crossing and all the different challenges at Ballykinler can be really proud of themselves. The teams worked really hard and it was a pleasure to see so many tired, but smiling, faces at the end of the event.

“I’d like to say a big thank you to all the volunteers who made it a safe and successful event and to all the young people who took part with such enthusiasm and determination.”

The teams started out from Tollymore Forest Park and then navigated their way through a series of checkpoints within the park and along the Brandy Pad into the Mournes. After this eight-mile trek, teams arrived in Dundrum Bay for the second phase of the challenge; jetting off in Rigid Inflatable Boats across the bay to Ballykinler beach for the third phase, a final set of command tasks on the beach. The day ended with a well-deserved warm shower, hot meal and an awards presentation for all participants in Ballykinler Training Centre.