In the summer of 1643, the Earl of Castlehaven swept south down the valley from Caherdrinny at the head of a troop of 250 mounted horses and routed the retreating crown forces near Fermoy. A lot less than that number of intrepid civilians marched down the same valley last Sunday. This time the chief enemy was the cold and cutting south east wind and unlike the vanquished vavasour and his retreating army, their retreat from the tunnel was well planned and expeditiously executed on a course well supported by the indefatigable duo of John Burke and Seamus Curran, ably assisted by the ever obliging David Condon.

The organising committee wishes to thank all those who took part or contributed in any way towards the raising of funds for the worthy cause at the centre of the exercise. A special word of thanks to local landowners Michael Gowen and Ned Roche for their co-operation and assistance.