Fr. John gets adventurer nomination

JOHN Kenny is not your average preacher. This man in black is an avid outdoor enthusiast and petrol head all rolled in to one.

So goes the intro to his Irish Adventurer of the Year nomination at this year's Irish Adventure Film Festival, taking place in Westport at the end of the month (www.irishadventurefilmfestival.com).

John's love of the outdoors is well documented on social media, from hitting the waters of Clew Bay with his SUP board or looking down on it from the surrounding hills.

When a friend and colleague died tragically in 2016, his response was to raise some funds for Pieta House, and that led to a unique adventure 'race that is not a race' - Peddle, Paddle, Pilgrimage and Party. The mini adventure involves a 20k cycle from Westport to Croagh Patrick, a hike up the mountain, followed by an afternoon of kayaking, canoeing and SUP boarding in the sea at Murrisk, and by a cycle back to Westport for a party.

As the citation advised: 'Keep your eyes out on all media outlets and on the roads of Ireland and if you spot a Mini-Cooper with a 11-foot SUP on it be sure to give him a wave.'

 

Another of the nominees who may be a familiar face here in Mayo is Vanessa Daws.

Vanessa swapped paint brushes for swim goggles to take on and become the first person to swim the length of Lough Mask - all 24 kilometres of it - in one go.

It took her 10 hours, 22 minutes and 16 seconds, and she was supported by former colleagues from Petersbourgh Outdoor Education Centre in Clonbur, who paddled alongside as her safety crew.

 

Now going in to the seventh year of success, the Irish Adventure Film Festival (March 29 to 31) is where madness meets reality, only to be projected on to the big screen.

With two days of viewing pleasure, the festival plays host and homage to the best of the best when it comes to adventure films, stories and adventurers.

The sole focus is to showcase as many excellent films as possible with the hope to inspire more people get outside and live their own adventures, no matter how big or small.

The Irish Adventurer of the Year Awards are a new feature this year and will be a show of special recognition to adventurers, weekend warriors and anyone with a passion for the outdoors who has completed a notable adventure in the last two years. The awards are open to individuals and teams.