Well summer was really approaching fast, and PCI Southern Regions drive to Gougane Barra was eagerly awaited by all on the last Sunday of April.
It was a beautifully bright clear day when 12 cars set off from the Kinsale Road roundabout and despite roadwork’s leaving the city temporarily upsetting the convoy, we made good progress travelling on the south ring road, and then through Inchigeela and over Toon Bridge to beautiful Gougane Barra.
Gougane Barra is where the Patron Saint of Cork famously meditated in early life before moving to Cork ( St Finbarrs Cathedral in the city commemorates him ), and eventually spending his declining years in East Cork ( Obviously a man of taste). Gougane Barra Lake to this day is stocked with Brown Trout for fishing and is the source of the river lee (spontaneously breaks into “ De Banks” ).
We had many beautiful cars on the run, old and new, and enjoyed some light refreshments at the lakeside cafeteria where old, new and potential members, got together to talk Porsche and the meaning of life.
While it is a beautiful, tranquil location, the Irish summer weather did us no favours and it was freezing cold with gale force polar winds which made getting out and about to enjoy the forest trail walks a bit too much, even for the younger, most intrepid explorers.
Its great to see kids, wives and girlfriends at our runs, reminds us that we are a family club, and more planning is required to ensure our outings meets expectations at all levels.
On the way back we stopped in Kilmichael, at the memorial to the site of the famous ambush, commanded by Gen. Tom Barry of the Southern Flying Column, the ambush scene was recreated in the movie “ The wind that shakes the barley”.
All in all it was a great club day out – one to remember – and a reminder that our Summer Drives Schedule is officially in full swing.
Our next drive will be published on the PCI forum mid May , and by text to anyone ( including non members , who would like to participate for the first time in a PCI event )– just text me your phone number & name – its as easy as that to get in on the Craic and enjoy your Porsche with similarly minded enthusiasts – even if you don’t yet own your own Porsche – you are welcome to join us on a PCI run on any given Sunday,
Kieran Twomey
087-9574183
PCI Southern Region Organiser