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Liam McGrath Snakepit Challenge 2007
Hi Everybody, Tony McMullen here, I am delighted with the outcome of the Liam McGrath Snake Pit Challenge held on 17th/18th March 2007. When setting out this event we were very conscious of the vehicles that it was set up for. A one snake was for standard vehicles with no winches and standard tyres (Green laners) A 2 snake was for a vehicle with slight modifications and a winch and had the option to pick the one snake punches and have a look at some 3 snake punches. Then the 3 snakes were full blown off roaders with all the toys. We had a lot of technical sections for these and they could pick up one and two snake punches if they wanted, in total we had 16 No. 1 Snakes, 21 No. 2 Snakes and 30 No. 3 snakes.

Over the two days the No 1 snakes/green laners nearly cleared the mountain and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. On talking to competitors later and over the two days everyone enjoyed these sections and no one or group were in any section for a long time and were constantly on the move. Some people got it wrong and missed out on some technical 3 snake sections and when I caught up with them and showed them what they had missed they asked us to leave them in and they would come back next week to complete them!! I told them we would make them harder and they will be in the Three Peaks this year.

At the end of the weekend I was very happy with the result and thought of how Liam would have enjoyed the event. I could see him attacking some of the sections as I had seen down through the years. Seeing Sean McGrath in Liam’s 90 over the weekend brought back happy memories of off roading in Ireland and the Rassy in Wales, the get together afterwards and especially Liam’s smile. I hope Liam was smiling down on us over the weekend.

In the Hibernian on the Sunday we had a presentation meal where commemorative medals were presented to the competitors. Mary McGrath was presented with a bouquet of flowers and a cheque for 1000.00 euro for cancer research in Liam’s memory. Mary made a heart warming speech thanking all who took part. At this point I would like to thank all the competitors in this event and the members of Munster 4 x 4 whose enthusiastic help in the laying out the event, it would not have been such a great success. Thanks to the Hibernian Hotel and staff, Mary McGrath, Sean and young Liam.

Liam may you rest in peace

Tony Mc Mullen

NOW, WHERE DID WE LEAVE THOSE 67 PUNCHES AND OVER 500 ARROWS???

Hello,
Itenary: Load all Off-Road wheels and tyre onto trailer for myself and Barrie's 90's 50th Ann Model V8 90. Got as far as New Ross - wheel bearing failure on trailer. Saw some lights - farmer said I could leave trailer in yard under watchful eyes of 3 German Sheperd dogs. Made way 4 Mallow - just jeep and L.R.90. As luck would have it had tel call from Mr. Peter Mortell as how we were getting along. Long story short Peter made arrangements to collect trailer from farm at 9:00a.m following morning. How's that for friendship?

Fast 4ward to Friday morn. All vehicles adorned with Simex and Super Swampers, courtesy of two young lads, Dyfrig and Iestyn. My thanks to them over the weekend is beyond words.

Start Saturday - excellent day in a Team of 5 = Alan & Cath in a Jeep; Simon & Darren in a Jeep; myself and Geoff in a Jeep; Roger and son Kevin in a Hybrid Land Rover and Barrie and Goronwy + Dyfrig and Iestyn in their 90 Anniversary model V8.

First Section saw Barrie's L.R. getting rid of at least 5 gallons of petrol as it lay on its side 4 quite a long time, whilst Barrie was getting rid of at least 6 gallons of sweat!

After getting rid of 6 gallons of sweat Barrie's L.R. was no lighter so he got rid of the driver's side Lunar light! Come 11:30 Barrie and passenger made a decision to return to hotel 2 watch some silly rugby match - thus leaving us with two outstanding winch monkeys- namely Dyfrig and Iestyn. We stashed them in the back of the 4 remaining vehicles!
Saturday proceeded without any terrifying moments - just wait 4 Sunday.

Once again we were 5 vehicles.One site with severe side slope in a washout was acclompished with ease!!!!!!!! At least one vehicle did!!!!
All Sections were duly attempted and mastered until the very last one of the day when after completion the the front passenger side wheel of my Jeep decided to de-attach itself from the hub and went its own way.
Not a problem( the studs had long parted) as I had a spare 5 to fix the problem.

Back at the hotel we were to learn that the Ferry was not to sail until the Tuesday night - meaning that we had to stay an extra night at the Hibernian Hotal - Woe Is Me!
In the meantime I did a deal for the Hotel's Baby Grand Piano - worth the extra nite - Jan doesn't think so though!

Our thanks go to all the organisors 4 all the hard work involved in setting out this event, Geoff and I know how much hard work is involved just for 2 days.

We look 4ward to your company at this year's Daff T odil when we hope to PAY YOU BACK ! ! ! ! !
Regards,
Iwan D.F'o.Dil.