Special Needs families enjoy Kilteevan Peatlands

Shamrock Squad Adventures is a community of Special Needs families with a mission to make outdoors accessible for all needs. Their most recent event was a 5km walk on the Cloonlarge Loop, Kilteevan.

The event was organised by Vika and Alina, co-founders of the Squad, in conjunction with Kilteevan Tidy Towns.

The walk was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Stories were told, information on wildlife and local history was shared. Lilliput Way was very much appreciated and Gulliver was a gigantic hit.

Shamrock Squad are a very environmentally aware group and offered to ‘litter pick’ on the 5km route. The children, including wheelchair users, worked enthusiastically during the walk.

Padraic and Ellie, trainers with Leave No Trace Ireland, accompanied the group on the hike. Padraic carried out a very interesting exercise with participants to highlight the im- portance of making good decisions to protect nature and the environment.

Representatives from the following support groups were also in attendance: Hidden Disabilities Ireland, Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, Family Carers Ireland, and Decathlon Ireland. They shared very valuable information and resources.

After the walk, all returned to Kilteevan Community Centre to enjoy pre-packed, healthy lunches and refreshments provided by the Falls Hotel, Ennistymon, Co. Clare. Thanks goes to Carol Proctor Photography for capturing precious memories.

The route was left in perfect condition; all that was ‘taken’ was litter and photographs.

A spokesperson for Kilteevan Tidy Towns said: “Our encounter with the Shamrock Squad was an eye-opener. We experienced a model of outstanding, inclusive, holistic, caring practice from start to finish”.