Our Walk Round Cushendall Co Antrim

[@Marey2060]

Thankyou it gave me an insight to Cushendall as I am staying here on holiday this spring thanks for the heads up on eateries 😊

[@TomMcClean]

A wonderful wee spot Tracey. Great wee walks by the sea and nature walks in the forest and local eateries. A lot of history to explore too. We loved being there. A great place to chill out. They do story telling sessions here too. Best wishes from the Belfast Castlereagh hills.

[@chriswardlow9441]

Another great spot Tom,and plenty of info boards. I must admit i have never heard of the game hurling and how it's played. Shame you didn't spot a king fisher never mind

[@TomMcClean]

It's something like hockey only far faster and you can whack the ball from a lift up, for long distances. The ball can be hit at any height so players wear helmets. Quite dangerous is you aren't paying attention. I've watched it on tv but never seen it played. I haven't a clue as to the rules.

[@sentimentaloldme]

It's a big hurling area in that part of the county..The fastest field game in the world.

[@TomMcClean]

Hi Michael. I always thought that anyone who played hurling, must either have the eyes and reactions of a hawk, or be mad in the head. I wouldn't last 5 minutes. I can't manage to follow the 'ball' on tv. Those boys and girls must be super fit too. Did you ever play Michael? I'd love someone to stand with me on the side lines and explain the rules to any Gaelic game. Maybe it's just me.

[@sentimentaloldme]

@@TomMcClean I remember when they didn't even wear helmets.. Remember being in Croke Park with my Dad and saw a guy loose his eye in an All Ireland Final..A few weeks ago a young lady playing Camogie lost her life when she was hit with a hurley...It's rare but it does happen..

[@TomMcClean]

A dangerous game Michael and no mistake. Having said that there are so many games/hobbies/sports/activities that fall into this category. Rugby, horse riding, motorbike racing, climbing. Do we shut them all down on health and safety grounds? It's a toughie. I heard about the young Camogie player. Very sad.

[@johndillinger8424]

John McKillop was the " mascot " of the hurting team. He passed away a few months ago. The Turnley family including Francis are buried near Garron Tower, an interesting wee graveyard. I've stayed in the camping pods quite a few times in the caravan park.

[@TomMcClean]

Hey John many thanks for this. We don't know that area at all apart from doing an air BnB and staying at the Ballygally. I didn't know about this graveyard of John McKillop. I love getting information like this! Hope you are good and the bowls is doing well.

[@johndillinger8424]

@@TomMcClean Yes, good, indoors again. I know a fair bit about that area. Francis Turnley lived, amongst other places in Richmond Lodge which was where Knocknagoney is now. Don't know where the family were originally from . A brother of his once lived in Rockport at Cultra. The family also lived in a house near Carnlough called Rockport too.

[@TomMcClean]

He must have been quite a character back in the day John.