Galway stars’ Himalayan trek takes Poc Fada to new heights!

Date Published: 21-Oct-2009

From its origins at the time of Cú Chulainn to the national championships that are held for it each year, the Poc Fada has evolved to something far more than a game between friends. Throughout this time it has maintained a strong Irish tradition and has given many hurling heroes the chance for solo glory, with Galway’s own Michael Shaughnessy ruling the national competition from 1994 to 1996.
The game has continued its popularity into the 21st century, and this November sees the long puck reach new heights. Next month Galway hurler David Collins hopes to trek the Himalayas with four hurling friends. With them on the trek will be sliotars and hurleys, as the lads hope to hit a few poc fadas on their way up and at the top of their climb.
“This I guarantee has never been done before so it should be good fun,” says David when referring to his plans while on the mountain. However, the reason David decided to take part in the trek is a far more serious one relating to his charity efforts.
The former Galway captain hopes to raise between €3,000 and €4,000 for charities in Nepal as a result of his planned climb. He is being supported by the organisation Nepal Trust, which he found out about through a friend who had been to the country on several occasions to help in the education and drug rehabilitation services there. David now hopes to do the same through his fundraising efforts.
“Seeing his pictures and hearing his stories from the areas worst affected has made me want to do my best for them and give someone a better chance in life,” he says.
The hurling star hopes that the money he raises will go a long way towards the completion of a new school in the Chitwan district in Nepal, and if there is any money left over it will be given to drug rehabilitation programs in Pokera and Kathmandu.
On November 21, David and his friends, including fellow Galway hurler Damien Joyce, will arrive at Kathmandu, where they will stay for a couple of days before beginning their trek. Before this, however, the hurlers plan to raise as much funds as possible, starting off with a fancy dress party on Hallowe’en night in Galway. David promises an entertaining night, with the Western Bar on Prospect Hill being transformed into an unforgettable Hallowe’en party, with a
local DJ and prizes on the night.
Tickets for the event are priced at €15, with all proceeds going to the Nepal fund. However, if members of the public are unable to attend the event, they are welcome to donate the price of a ticket, or whatever they can afford, to the charity.
The focus of the Nepal Trust’s work is in the northwest of the country, known as Humla or ‘the Hidden Himalayas’, which has a population of just over 40,000. Arguably one of the most impoverished of the country’s districts, its harsh, mountainous land makes farming an almost impossible struggle, with just 2% of the land used for cultivation. As well as
this, the local weather brings risks of heavy snowfalls in Winter and monsoons in Summer.
Due to its inaccessibility, the Trust operates a number of essential services. The organisation strives on providing aid to the community that will have a long-term benefit for their standard of living. Their policies in providing primary healthcare have led to the setting up of five permanent clinics as well as the training of local healthcare workers.
In terms of encouraging sustainable living, the Trust has supplied many areas of the region with electricity through solar and hydro-electric power, while the tourism industry of the whole country has benefitted by the Nepal Trust’s promotion of treks, which in turn has seen the beginning of many small businesses.
The organisation’s education and literacy programme provides Humla children with basic training in hygiene and first aid and gives the opportunity to many Nepalese women to learn to read and write, while also striving to protect the ancient Buddhist heritage and culture of the region.
David hopes to give further help to this impoverished nation, and so asks Galway people to give generously to his cause. Anyone who wishes to make a donation to the Nepal Trust can do so through www.nepaltrust.org