Page 56 - royal-times-13-14

killARy 2013-2014

On Tuesday the 1st of October the
transition year students went to Killary
adventure centre in county Galway.
After a long drive we arrived at the
amazing destination on the west coast.
We were given our rooms and in the
afternoon we participated in outdoor
activities. Divided in to 3 groups my
group were first to go on the giant
swing. It brought us up 20 metres;
from there it was a self- release system
where you pulled a chord allowing you
to free fall towards the ground with
powerful momentum. The speed and
intensity was simply mind-blowing.
Other groups participated in lazer quest
and the high ropes. It was an exciting
introduction to the forthcoming week.

At night, the games we played at night
were enjoyable, providing us with the opportunity to socialise with not only our
own wider group but with TY’s from other schools.
On day 2 we completed our bronze Gaisce walk which was 25 km in length through
the spectacular terrain around Killary. We set off at 10 o’ clock in the morning and we
were back at 5 o clock in the evening. A tiring and aching but ultimately rewarding
day.

Day 3, began with conclusion of our Gaisce walk. It was entertaining to see people
getting stuck in the bog holes. In the afternoon it was the turn of the water activities.
Gorge walking, cliff diving and canoeing were some of the thrilling events laid on by
the centre, the highlight for me being the canoeing experience through the Fjord.

On the final day, the weather took a turn for the worst, but it didn’t dampen our
spirits. Who could forget Brion and his endless rendition of Rick Astley’s timeless
80’s classic, ‘Never gonna give you up’, the Killary mud, the late nights chats or the
numerous attempted room breakouts. Overall it was an unforgettable and exciting
start to the TY year.

56 The Royal Times 2013-2014