Clogheen's Liam Fleming honoured with civic reception

Last Thursday evening in the Council Chamber Clonmel, Clogheen man Liam Fleming was recognised by the county council for his valuable work in setting up the social enterprise Siul Eile.

The hybrid event was hosted from Clonmel and attended by Liam’s family, as well as other supporters. Speaking in advance of the event Cathaoirleach Marie Murphy, also a Clogheen native, said that the formal recognition of the good that has been generated by Siul Eile “just made sense”. Thursday was something of a double-occasion, as it also marked Cllr Murphy’s last event as Cathaoirleach of Tipperary County Council.

Speaking on Thursday, Mr Fleming paid testament to the ‘brilliant people who are keeping it going week on week’.

“It’s unbelievable, we started off with the idea because of where we’re from. It’s a naturally scenic area but there may not have been huge numbers of people out walking. That was my own kind of reaction, so we did a few walking programmes.

"There have been so many influential people along the way that have allowed Siul Eile to grow. But we still have some more steps to go before we bring it to the final level,” he said.

Those gathered heard from Eamon Ryan, CEO of Social Impact Ireland, whom Mr Fleming described as a mentor throughout the process of developing Siul Eile. Mr Ryan said that Siul Eile is the way the government programme of ‘Get Ireland Walking’ should be run, and while led by Tipperary, should be rolled out nationally, which is Liam’s intention.

SOCIAL INTERACTION

The first walking series was spurred off the back of Operation

Transformation, but Liam felt that the eightweek programme needed to be more expansive. He then teamed up with local GAA club Fr Sheehy’s to show that it’s not “just walking”, but it’s about creating bonds and building social interactions.

Making reference to the family’s upbringing in the tradition of GAA, he agreed that his father would be proud of his achievements with Siul Eile.

Those at the reception heard from members who are glad they got involved in the walking programme, including Clogheen’s Lynn O’Brien and Mary Moloney, and Ardfinnan’s Joe Byrnes. Politician Michéal Anglim spoke highly of the achievements of Siul Eile, saying “Keep doing what you’re doing; you’re onto a winner!”

Agreement was made that Ireland has routes and walkways that are “just like Spain’s Camino” but without the supporting infrastructure and a focus on Ireland’s walking trails can only be a good thing. The other benefits of the Siul Eile structure, and “central” to the ethos, said Liam, was getting people connected with their local area through the sharing of stories and local knowledge.

Mr Fleming pointed out that the weather, despite its reputation, rarely impacts on the Siul Eile walks, but acknowledged that hardcore walkers don’t let the rain deter them in any case!

'BLESSED AMONGST WOMEN'!

A whole range of people from different Siul Eile groups spoke at Thursday’s reception, saying how the walks had helped them make friends, get healthier both physically and mentally, discover the Knockmealdowns, and work through personal problems with the power of group support.

With five daughters at home, Liam admitted that he was ‘Blessed amongst women’ and that Siul Eile gave him a good excuse to get out! Joking aside, his wife Linda remarked that the high numbers of women joining Siul Eile surprised both of them, thinking of hiking as a ‘male’ interest.

“I’m very proud; he puts awful work into it. It’s his baby! He believes in it. He’s always thinking, where can I do the next walk. It’s always in the back of his head.”

The event was the last to be hosted by Cllr Marie Murphy, who made a number of presentations at the event. The first was a scroll from the council to Mr Fleming conferring his civic honour. A second presentation was made of a framed photograph overlooking Bay Lough by photographer John Kelly, who said he got bitten alive by midgies while taking the photograph - but it was surely worth it.