TYRONE GAA legend Mickey Harte has conquered eight miles of St Patrick’s Way, Downpatrick, launching the Saint Patrick Centre’s 2021 walking season.
Mr Harte, along with pilgrim guides Martina Purdy and Elaine Kelly, led a 14-strong group.
He was welcomed to Downpatrick by the chairwoman of Newry, Mourne and Down Council, Cathy Mason. Local councillors Cadogan Enright, Oonagh Hanlon and John Trainor were among the pilgrim walkers.
Aftewards Mr Harte, who currently manages Louth, said he would certainly recommend St Patrick’s Way. The sites he visited included Inch Abbey, Saul Church and Slieve Patrick.
“I really enjoyed both the walk and the good company,” he said.
Dr Tim Campbell, Director of the St Patrick Centre, said Mr Harte was very gracious to launch the season and was delighted to present him with a Downpatrick sweatshirt.
“Walking is the ideal solution to lockdown,” he said. ‘Many local people and those from the Republic of Ireland are joining our walk and learning all about St Patrick and our beautiful heritage.”
Martina Purdy said Mr Harte was not only an inspiration, but incredibly fit for the walk. “I had trouble keeping up,” she remarked.
Elaine Kelly said she found Mr Harte to be a very gentle person with a lovely spirit in the tradition of St Patrick.
“It was great walking with him,” she said. “He’s easy company.”