Beyond Endurance 2013

Ger McDonnell Nationwide Special 4th Oct 7pm

2010-09-30T08:54:00Z

RTÉ’s Nationwide celebrates local hero Ger McDonnell in special programme

Next Monday night (October 4th) at 7 pm, RTÉ One television will broadcast a special half hour Nationwide programme about the life, achievements and legacy of Kilcornan man, Ger McDonnell – the only Irish person to successfully summit K2 – the holy grail of mountaineers worldwide. Ger raised the Irish flag aloft on top of K2 on August 1st 2008, but tragically, he lost his life in the descent the very next day, heroically attempting to save the lives of three other climbers.

This special Nationwide programme includes never-before-seen footage shot by Ger himself on that final expedition. Local journalist Marian Malone talks to Ger’s family and friends, fellow climbers, including the Dutch leader of the 2008 Norit expedition team and Paul Whiting of Mountain Rescue Ireland, who nominated Ger for the posthumously awarded Targa d’Argento Pinzolo Gold Medal – one of a raft of humanitarian awards he has received for bravery. The Targa d’Argento honours those who risk their lives for others in the mountains.

On August 2nd after being on the summit and bivouacking overnight above 8,000 meters (the so-called death zone), Ger found the descent rope anchor to be dislodged or broken. This caused two Koreans and a Sherpa climber to be suspended upside down on ropes below. Ger spent over three hours with an Italian, Marco Confortola, trying to assist. Eventually, Marco was forced to descend as he could do no more; he described the climbers to be like ‘puppets on a string’.

Marco witnessed Ger climbing back up to release the tension on the ropes. Unbelievably, after over another three hours, Ger managed to free the trapped climbers. They were met by two Sherpas who came up to assist their descent. An ice tower or serac gave way above and tragically swept Ger to his death. A second subsequent avalanche hit and claimed the lives of the other five climbers.

Mountain Rescue Ireland nominated Ger because on numerous occasions his concern and actions for fellow climbers embodied the spirit of mountain rescue and outstanding humanitarianism. Last Saturday night, Ger’s mother was presented on his behalf with the Meteor Mid-West Media Merit Award at the Press Ball in Limerick.

Prior to making the ultimate sacrifice for his fellow man, Ger’s last dispatch on his website ended prophetically: “Let luck and good fortune prevail, fingers crossed.
Sin é anois a cháirde, tá an t-am ag teacht." Ger was 37 years old.

Produced by Pallaskenry-based local television company, Matt Kelly Productions, the Nationwide special airs next Monday night at 7pm on RTÉ One television.

Beyond Endurance South Pole Expedition to feature in upcoming book by Michael Smith

2010-09-30T08:13:00Z

Great Endeavour – Ireland’s Antarctic Explorers by Michael Smith, author of An Unsung Hero – Tom Crean. It deals with 200 years of Irish exploration to the Antarctic, starting with Bransfield and Crozier in the 19th century, onto Crean, Shackleton, Keohane, etc in the 20th and then onto the modern day travellers such as Pat Falvey, Clare O’Leary and Mike Barry. Details on the publishers website – www.collinspress.ie

Michael Smith is delivering an illustrated talk on Great Endeavour at Killarney Library on Tuesday October 12 (7.15pm) and Cork Central Library on Wednesday, October 13 (7.30pm). Michael is also scheduled to give lectures for Mountaineering Ireland in Dublin and Cork on November 18 and 19 respectively, venues to be decided. For details, check with Mountaineering Ireland website, www.mountaineering.ie

• Saturday 9 October: South Pole Inn, Annascaul, Co Kerry, at 9 p.m.
• Monday 11 October, morning: Scoil Phadraig Naofa, Bandon, Co Cork.The teacher there, Mary Murphy, was involved in translating Tom Crean – Ice Man into Irish and is retiring (and she played Orla Fitzgerald’s mother opposite Cillian Murphy in The Wind That Shakes the Barley).
• Monday 11 October, evening: D’Arcy’s Restaurant, Kenmare, Co Kerry, at 8.00 p.m.
• Tuesday 12 October: Killarney Library 7.15 p.m.
• Wednesday 13 October: Cork City Library 7.30 p.m. Michael will also be in the library in the morning with the Children’s Library, as part of the Children’s Book Festival.
• Wednesday 10, Thursday 11 & Friday 12 November: Nenagh, Tipperary. This is part of a literacy promotion project based around Tom Crean – Ice Man.
• Tuesday 16 November: New Ross, Co Wexford. This is part of a literacy promotion project based around Tom Crean – Ice Man.
• Tuesday 16 November: Cloyne Literary & Historical Society, Ballymaloe House, Cork, 8.00 p.m.
• Wednesday 17 November: Lawlor’s Hotel, Bridge Street, Dungarvan, Co Waterford, at 8.00 p.m., in association with Waterford Museum
• Thursday 18 November, in association with Mountaineering Ireland: Basecamp Outdoor and Travel Store, 108 Middle Abbey Street, Dublin 1
• Friday 19 November, in association with Mountaineering Ireland: Cork (venue to be confirmed)

Ross Sea 2012 now taking bookings

2010-09-14T08:35:00Z

After much anticipation, we are pleased to announce that bookings are now commencing for our Ross Re-visited Voyage 100 years on from the Terra Nova expedition. We have very limited places and will close bookings by the 1st of Decemeber 2010.

Background to Terra Nova Expedition:

It was on this expedition that Robert Falcon Scott and 4 of his party man-hauled to the South Pole only to discover the Roald Amundsen and his dog-sled party had erected a tent flying the Norwegian flag. This race ended in tragedy when Scott and his party failed to return after physical and mental deprivation and extreme bad weather finally halted the party from advancing back to ‘One ton Depot’ only 11 miles away. Scott’s last diary entry, dated 29 March 1912, the presumed date of their deaths. Many historians are of the belief that only for the adverse weather, Scott and some of his party could have survived.

On deciding his final party for man-hauling, Scott had decided that Crean, Evans and Lashly were to return to base at Cape Evans. Their return journey was shrouded in feats of survival and bravery with Tom Crean’s journey to rescue his comrades Teddy Evans (whose mother was Mc Nalty in Limerick) and William Lashly being described by Antarctic historians as “the finest feat of individual heroism from the entire age of exploration”. He was subsequently awarded the Albert medal for his bravery. The Albert Medal can also be viewed at Kerry County Museum.

Also on the Terra Nova were three Corkmen. Kinsale born seaman Mortimer McCarthy, who on his return to Cardiff in 1913 was presented with the Silver Polar Medal by King George. Long after his retirement in 1963 Mortimer revisited the Antarctic with an American expedition to Scott’s hut at Cape Evans. At the age of 81 he was the oldest man to ever set foot on Antarctica.

Courtmacsherry man Patrick Keohane whose diaries can be viewed at Kerry County Museum in Tralee also served Scott’s diaries reveal a personal fondness and deep respect for Keohane. On one occasion Scott, Keohane, Wilson and Sherry-Garrard were pinned down in a storm for four days. Always the optimist, Keohane pointed out to the other lads that if the snow kept melting they could always turn the tent upside down and use it as a boat.

Finally Cobh man Robert Forde at the age of 35 joined as Petty officer. Man hauling for ten hours a day, Forde worked with tireless energy in an epic team effort to establish Scott’s ‘Corner Camp’ 35 miles from Cape Evans. Mount Forde, a monumental peak of over 1,200 metres at the head of the Hunt Glacier was named in his honour.

North Pole Team in final checks

2010-02-26T13:29:00Z

Were off, at least from YellowKnife in the North West Territories and in a way I felt sad leaving. Over the past 17 days there we made many good friends and were welcomed with open arms. I must pay a special Thanks to Matt Mossen and all his partners that help out over our period there, it really made life a lot easier for us as a team.

One frustration finished
Now at least one frustration is over, we got a weather window and our Chartered, Dornier 228 took off on a five hour 850 mile flight to Resolute at 16;00 today with all of our gear onboard. This is an amazing aircraft, I even got the chance to fly it for a hour up thanks to Dave. For me another first and a fantastic unexpected treat.

We have shared the charter with Richard Webber a good friend of mine and his team helping all of us reduce the cost, its an expensive process chartering planes to get to these remote areas. (If your interested in knowing a little bit about Resolute I’ll do it on another new Item.)

The Flight to Resolute
Packed into the Dornier 228 we were briefed on the safety regulations by one of our two pilots. "There are five emergency exits and just to let you know our flying time today will be 5 hours and I hope you all went to the toilet before leaving as there are no toilets facilities on board. But we do have pee bags, but as you see if you want to go there is no privacy.

There is no food service on Board but we do have a lunch pack for all of you. Well thats expedition life.

Over the next five hours we flew over the wilds of Canada, beautiful remote and rugged. On route we passed two mines a gold and a diamond mine and I was made aware of the fact that to get to them Canada’s first ice roads were formed and was how ice road truckers series started filming trucks going to these mines. The remoteness of where they were situated blew my mind away.

Well, it was five hours flying as they said and no toilet and I held me pee all the way from YellowKnife and by the time we landed I was bursting and nearly had to wet my pants. God was I relieved when we got to our destination. I though once I started I’d never stop.

We said farewell to our pilots and headed for our hotel for a nights sleep.

Condition in Resolute was calm after a four day blow out with no planes landing and yes it was reasonably cold. – 30 degree Celsius. We look forward to what a new day will bring. Packing, checking and rechecking, some training and finding out the schedule for our next departure to our starting point.

We are now on a countdown to go. We were scheduled to start standby for the final flight to Ward Hunt on Sunday, not sure just yet if the delays will continue but now that we are in Resolute we will update Niall back at base as soon as we can.

Fire & Ice: A Photographic Journey of Antarctica

2010-01-14T09:47:00Z

An exhibition of photography by John Gamble, Professor of Geology will be opened at the Jennings Gallery, Brookfield Health Sciences Complex, UCC on January 20th, 2010 by Dr Clare O’Leary, Ireland’s first woman to reach the South Pole and climb Mt Everest.

John Gamble is Professor in Geology at UCC since 2002. A graduate of Queen’s University, Belfast, John returned to Ireland after 28 years in Australia and New Zealand. His research interests lie in the geochemistry of the deep Earth and in the processes that lead to volcanism at the surface. He has published more than 100 scientific papers and has the rare distinction of having three terrestrial landmarks named in his honour – Gamble Glacier and Gamble Cone in Antarctica and the Gamble Volcanic Complex a submarine volcano on the Tonga – Kermadec Island Arc in the SW Pacific.

Antarctica is the driest, coldest and highest (on average) continent on Earth. At nearly 14 million square kilometres, it is almost twice the size of Australia. This exhibition is compiled from a collection of previously unseen photographs taken by Professor Gamble throughout the 1980’s and 1990’s while on fieldwork in Antarctica. It includes memorable images of volcanoes, life in the field, shots of wildlife and a visit to the historic huts of Scott and Shackleton on Ross Island, the staging posts for historic exploration of the continent at the beginning of the 20th century.

This exhibition follows on Aidan Dooley’s award winning performance of “Tom Crean – Antarctic Explorer” which closes at the Everyman, January 16th.

Fire & Ice will run from January 21st until February 23rd inclusive. If you would like an invitation to the Opening on Wednesday, January 20th at 6.30pm by Dr Clare O’Leary – who in 2008 was deputy leader of the first Irish Antarctic team to walk 1,100km across the Antarctic icecap to the South Pole – please contact our office by this email info@beyondendurance.ie and we can forward to Ruth in UCC. See http://www.ucc.ie/en/jennings-gallery.

John will give a short seminar on Antarctica at 5.15pm on Wednesday 20th January immediately preceding the launch. Venue: Lecture Theatre G.05, Brookfield Health Sciences Complex, UCC

For further information please contact: Marie McSweeney, Press Officer, University College Cork (T) 021 4902371; (M) 086 0845182.

ROSS SEA IN 2012

2010-01-04T12:46:00Z

We are now commencing interest in the re-scheduled voyage to the Ross Sea, deep Antarctica.

Go to our signup page and fill out the quick form to go on our mailing list.

Further details will be available on this site in February 2010.

Nial Foley

Tera Nova Celebrations start

2009-12-27T05:23:00Z

TOM CREAN SOCIETY NEWS – DECEMBER 2009

Tom Crean and the Terra Nova Expedition

Just wanted to let you know about a new radio play. If you are into
your history (or local celebrities), and happen to be up at 9am on New
Years Day (or still up from the night before!), check out Tom Crean
and the Terra Nova Expedition on Radio Kerry.

New Years Day 9am on Radio Kerry 96-98FM or live online at www.radiokerry.ie/live.php

Check out the new video promo at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Iq9_mJsJOw

Midwinter & Terra Nova Centennial Celebrations

Celebrating Irish Polar Explorers in this the first of two centennial golden eras in Antarctic Expeditions, the Terra Nova (1910-1913) and Endurance (1914-16) Over the next couple of years members of the Society plan to raise awareness to the involvement of Irishmen and of Irish connection during the heroic age of Antarctic exploration. Other events and projects to be confirmed will be posted here on tomcrean.com soon.

This New Years Eve we begin with the Terra Nova celebrations in the South Pole Inn, Annascaul, Co. Kerry. Date: December 31st 2009 – 1st January 2010.

Thursday 31st December

Items of the night will include: Aidan Dooleys – Tom Crean & the Terra Nova. An excerpt from his highly acclaimed award winning show.(Presentations 8.30pm sharp, Upstairs on first come basis as seats are limited) These presentations will be followed by New Years eve toast in the bar around 10pm. At the stroke of midnight all will gather outside for a special parade through the village by Saint Columcille United Gaelic Pipe Band.

Friday 1st January

Tom Crean Historical walk led by Annascaul walking club: Meeting place: Monument Garden opp South Pole Inn – Meeting time: 11am – Duration: 2-4 hrs
Walking Contact: John Hanafin 0894181287 www.annascaulwalks.org. Then late afternoon time around 5pm, we will have a viewing of an DVD interview with the late Hon Edward Broke Evans upstairs at the South Pole Inn. This will be followed by an informal open discussion on all things Antarctic.

NB: Food and accommodation details if required available from Eileen at The South Pole Inn, Annascaul, Co. Kerry. Tel: 066 9157388

Background to Pipe Band

The award-winning Saint Columcille United Gaelic Pipe Band, based in New Jersey, U.S.A., will play at midnight at the South Pole Inn. The Saint Columcille band, which celebrated its 60th Anniversary in 2009 and regularly competes internationally, is named for the Donegal-born, 6th Century missionary who founded the Iona monastery in 563. The band was founded on the principles of a united Gaelic people, crossing religious and all other boundaries. The band’s motto is “Ar aghaidh le ceol na nGael,” Scots Gaelic for “Onward the Music of the Gael.”

Members of the band have entertained on New Year’s Eve in Anascaul for nearly a decade. “It’s an honor to be welcomed back to Abhainn an Scáil to help carry on a great tradition of celebrating a new beginning each New Year,” said Bob Wade, the band president. “Corca Dhuibhne at the New Year: I can’t think of a better place to be!”

Background to Terra Nova Expedition

Merry Christmas!!

2009-12-22T08:12:00Z

Enjoy the hols…

Photo: Carrauntoohil on Solstice morning 2009 by Niall Foley

Ireland set to join Antarctic Treaty

2009-11-18T04:24:00Z

After much lobbying by representatives of the Shackleton School in Athy, the Tom Crean Society, Scott Polar Institute plus many more individuals and groups, the path leading Ireland closer to joining the treaty has now been laid down with it officially recognised in the new programme for government agreed on the 10th October 2009, programme text excerpt below:

Antarctic Treaty: Join with other nations in giving support to the worldwide effort to protect the Antarctic through ratifying the Antarctic Treaty.

They Treaty meet annually and Irelands position on the Treaty will be put forward in 2010.

Chris Wilson of Wildside reports:

“Mary White TD, the Deputy-Leader of the Green Party as she spoke last Sunday 25th October 2009 at the Ernest Shackleton Autumn School in Athy, Co Kildare (now in its 9th year) and confirmed that Ireland is to sign the Antarctic Treaty as a tribute to Sir Ernest Shackleton, Tom Crean and other Irish polar explorers.”

Existing Antarctic Treaty summary below and on their website click here

The Antarctic Treaty was signed in Washington on 1 December 1959 by the twelve countries whose scientists had been active in and around Antarctica during the International Geophysical Year (IGY) of 1957-58. It entered into force in 1961 and has since been acceded to by many other nations. The total number of Parties to the Treaty is now 47.

Some important provisions of the Treaty :

Antarctica shall be used for peaceful purposes only (Art. I)

Freedom of scientific investigation in Antarctica and cooperation toward that end … shall continue (Art. II)

Scientific observations and results from Antarctica shall be exchanged and made freely available (Art. III)

Among the signatories of the Treaty were seven countries – Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, New Zealand, Norway and the United Kingdom – with territorial claims , sometimes overlapping. Other countries do not recognize any claims. The US and Russia maintain a “basis of claim ”. All positions are explicitly protected in Article IV, which preserves the status quo:

No acts or activities taking place while the present Treaty is in force shall constitute a basis for asserting, supporting or denying a claim to territorial sovereignty in Antarctica or create any rights of sovereignty in Antarctica. No new claim, or enlargement of an existing claim to territorial sovereignty in Antarctica shall be asserted while the present Treaty is in force .

To promote the objectives and ensure the observance of the provisions of the Treaty, "All areas of Antarctica, including all stations, installations and equipment within those areas … shall be open at all times to inspection " (Art. VII).

Some info taken from plus more available from the Shackleton School in Athy, Co Kildare and also Chris Wilsons copyrighted work on Wildside Website

These days bring back many memories

2009-11-12T02:19:00Z

Photo: Paradise Bay by Niall Foley

Its three years on since our first and one year on from our second Beyond Endurance Expedition to South Georgia, Elephant Island and Antarctic Peninsula. Around this time each November has meant many memories flowing back of the adventures we had, the places and wildlife we saw and of course the people we met. We wish all of you who were with us or involved the very best in the future in your travels and life.

To Celebrate this I have now uploaded a good share of our imagery from 2008 and some of my own stuff from 2006. Also there in the video section you will find some clips like the SG traverse 08 plus lots of other clips.

To view these just click on ‘Latest Photos’ or ‘Latest Videos’ on the righthand side of this website. To view Nialls 2006 go to Niall Foleys Flickr

I will be uploading more as we go along here and just so you know I am working backwards in time.

Take care & Stay tuned!!

Tom Crean Show Dates, Sept - Oct

2009-09-03T07:59:00Z

Aug 31 – Sept 5
Olympia Theatre,
Dublin
01 6793323

Sept 11 – 12
Dunamise Arts Centre, Portlaoise
057 866 3355

Sept 17 – 19
Glór Arts Centre, Ennis
065 6843103

Oct 17
Theatre Royal, Castlebar
0818 300 000

Oct 21 – 22
Source Arts Centre, Thurles
0504 90204

Oct 26
INEC, Killarney
064 6671555

Photo Exhibition in Kilkenny until Sunday 16th

2009-08-14T08:09:00Z

Claire Bourke is holding an exhibition of her South Georgia and Antarctic photos taken on our 2008 expedition. It will take place as part of Kilkenny 400 Arts Festival near the market cross in the old Daltons TV&Video premises which is being used temporarily for the festival.

We wish Claire the very best and hope that some of you get a chance to pop in there to view some of her excellent images.

Whale-watching 'worth billions'

2009-06-23T04:37:00Z

By Richard Black
Environment correspondent, BBC News, Madeira

Whale watching generates far more money than whale hunting, according to a report released at the International Whaling Commission (IWC) meeting here.

Worldwide, the industry now generates about $2.1bn per year, it says.

The group commissioning the report, the International Fund for Animal Welfare (Ifaw), says whaling countries would gain from a switch to whale watching.

However, Iceland’s delegate here said the two industries were compatible and could grow together.

Iceland recently announced a major expansion of its fin whale hunt and plans to take 150 of the animals this year, along with up to 100 minke whales.

“As governments sit here [at the IWC] debating what to do about whaling, their people are showing the way,” said Patrick Ramage, director of Ifaw’s whale programme.

“Whale watching is clearly more environmentally sustainable and economically beneficial than hunting, and whales are worth far more alive than dead,” he told BBC News.

The report follows on the heels of an analysis commissioned by another organisation opposed to whaling, WWF, which suggested that the Japanese and Norwegian hunts were a net cost to their governments.

Double digit

The Ifaw-commissioned report, compiled by the Australian organisation Economists at Large, found that income from whale watching had doubled over the last decade, with the fastest growth seen in Asia.

In 2008, it concluded, 13 million people went to sea to watch cetaceans in 119 countries.

As an anti-whaling organisation, Ifaw has repeatedly campaigned to persuade Iceland to end its hunts – a practice which, Ifaw contends, is hurting its whale-watching industry.

The potential for conflict between the two industries was starkly demonstrated in 2006, when tourists on a Norwegian boat saw a minke whale harpooned.

But Iceland’s commissioner to the IWC, Tomas Heidar, said that in his country the two industries had co-existed successfully for a number of years.

“Allegations that whaling affects whale watching have proven not to be true,” he said.

“On the contrary, whale watching has been growing steadily in the last few years after our resumption of commercial whaling [in 2006].”

Economists at Large gathered the data for its report through surveying whale-watching companies, tourist boards, researchers and NGOs.

Richard.Black-INTERNET@bbc.co.uk

Original Article:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8114353.stm

Memorial fund and Educational Trust sponsored Cycle - Ger McDonnell

2009-06-16T02:59:00Z

1. Ger McDonnell Memorial Fund

2. Ger McDonnell DCU Educational trust

1. We would like to bring attention to this memorial fund which has been setup to help the families of the porters killed on K2 in August 2008 and also to provide training to locals whom take on a career as a sherpa or porter in the K2 area within Pakistan, something that was close to Gers heart. It has been setup through a non-profit network based in US and with The McDonnell’s family. Please donate whatever you can and spread the word. Thanks to Amanda for her work on this with Annie.

The Mountain Fund

The Gerard McDonnell Memorial Fund provides training in first aid and safe climbing technique for high altitude porters in the Karakorum. A component of the fund is sponsorship for the children of Jehan Baig, Karim Meherban, Jumic Bhote and Pasang Bhote, four high altitude porters who perished on K2 in 2008.

2. Ger McDonnell Memorial Access Scholarship Fund DCU. They have nearly reached their goal of funding for the Trust and will be having a sponsored cycle to help raise the final amount.

100KM cycle 18th July 2009

Contact Claire at DCU for more details

Claire Whelehan
PH: 01-700-5467
E-mail: claire.whelehan@dcu.ie

New species of Antarctic fish discovered

2009-05-14T07:14:00Z

Unexplored and inaccessible Bellingshausen Sea

March 2009. The new species of Antarctic fish, Gosztonyia antarctica, has been discovered at a depth of 650 metres in the Bellingshausen Sea in the Antarctic Ocean, an area which has not been studied since 1904 and where the fauna is “completely” unknown. Jesús Matallanas, the Spanish researcher responsible for the find, collected four specimens of the new species during Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO) campaigns in the southern hemisphere summers of 2003 and 2006.

The study of the biodiversity of the Bellingshausen Sea has been systematically ignored by international projects because it is quite inaccessible and its beds are not mapped", SINC was told by Jesús Matallanas, the study’s main author and researcher from the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB).

“One of the most significant results is that the ichthyofauna of the Bellingshausen Sea, contrary to what was previously believed, is more closely related to that of the Eastern Antarctic than the Western”, highlighted the researcher.

Another important discovery is that in contrast to what occurs in other seas in the Antarctic Ocean, in the Bellingshausen Sea zoarcidae are the dominant group of fish below a depth of 550 metres", added the zoologist.

A family of fish with worldwide distribution
Before confirming the discovery of a new species, in this case Gosztonyia antarctica, which belongs to a group with a very wide distribution, the researcher carried out a worldwide review of all articles published to date.

New genus
The new species belongs to an also new genus, which is similar to various Patagonian genera, and its name Gosztonyia, is in recognition of Atila Esteban Gosztonyi, a great expert in the systematics of zoarcidae who has described various new genera endemic to the Magallanes region. The specific name, antarctica, refers to the place of capture of the species: the Antarctic region.

The specimens captured measure between 25.4 cm and 30 cm, are anguilliformes and “the skulls has a lot of its own exclusive anatomical characters”, commented the scientist. All the specimens are preserved in 70% alcohol at the UAB.

First exploration since 1904
Since the expedition of the boat Bélgica, which obtained two unique specimens of fish in 1904, no one has fished in this sea, although its fauna has been included “without any justification” in the Western Antarctic.

The work, which appears in the latest issue of the journal Polar Biology, is based on the IEO’s Bentart-03 and Bentart-06 campaigns, in which Matallanas participated as an expert in taxonomy of Antarctic fish.

It is a taxonomic study of these zoarcidae specimens (groups of dominant fish on the continental slope of northern seas which make up around 240 species) captured in the Bellingshausen Sea.

http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/antarctic-fish009.html For article and more info.

Pat heads to Camp Barneo for Arctic Recce

2009-04-14T04:05:00Z

Pat and Clare have already been training in Resolute, Canada a few weeks ago. They have now headed to Camp Barneo and a possible North Pole excursion could be on the cards. With various gear and technology options with them, they aim to check these and other options on this recce.

They spent some time in Spitsbergen before flying to the Ice Camp Barneo situated at the latitude approx. 89 grad. North.

Good luck to Kevin Dempsey on his current last degree trek.

Ross 2010 - Book Now!! - Discounts available

2009-03-09T02:47:00Z

We are delighted to annouce that booking have officially commenced on our Ross Sea Revisited Voyage which leaves Ireland next January 27th – March 2nd.

Discounts now available – 500euro off all packages
Contact us to discuss options and discounts.

Prices start at 14,000 euro to include 6 nights four star B&B with 3 Dinners, International & Domestic Flights & all transfers, Antarctic Heritage Museum Tour, Lyttelton Harbour Tour and fully guided not to mention the 26 day adventure to honour the Terra Nova expeditions departure to Deep Antarctica, the Ross Sea. There you will experience the expedition huts of Shackleton and Scott near the active Mt. Erebus, helicopter excursions to the inland Dry Valleys, Zodiac Cruises, Penguins, Seals, Seabirds and Whales in the Ross Sea and the many islands with photo oppurtunities on this amazing Journey South!!

Remember you can use your return flght to stay longer in either Melbourne or Sydney, Australia. (Further Itinerary not included)

If you have an interest or know someone who has dreamed of this experience please contact us promptly as places a limited.

Click on our 2010 Signup section for more info which has details of the expedition and a form for contacting us. Or you can call us right now in Ireland on (+353) 064 44181.

SG Crossing 08 Video

2009-02-26T04:04:00Z

Here is a short edit of our South Georgia Crossing back in November. All our videos are also available on the video panel, righthand side of the news. Enjoy!

Filmed and edited by Niall Foley, Intended for private viewing, not for broadcast.

Podge & Rodge Tonight!! 23rd Feb

2009-02-23T09:38:00Z

Beyond Endurance Team - Cork Persons of the Year

2009-01-28T03:32:00Z

Press release by Manus O’Callaghan

Pat Falvey and Dr. Clare O’Leary were chosen as the Cork Persons of the Year yesterday (Jan 23rd ’09), to mark their historic expedition on foot to the South Pole, the first ever Irish expedition to do so.

Last January (‘08) Pat and Clare travelled more than 1100 km (680 miles) on foot to the South Pole in minus 32.5 c, temperatures, taking over 58 days and each of them hauled a sledge weighting in excess of 150 kg (330 lbs). They have both already scaled Mount Everest and the world’s seven highest summits, and are Ireland’s best know explorers, adventurers and mountaineers.

At the time President McAleese said the achievement which coincided with the hundredth anniversary of Ernest Shackleton’s first attempt on the South Pole was particularly poignant." The then Taoiseach said, “you are continuing a proud tradition of Irish adventurers and you should be very proud of your wonderful achievement.”

A representative group of 260 guests from all sectors of Cork society, gave the Person of the Year winners a standing ovation, at the Gala Awards lunch at the Sheraton Fota Island Hotel. Award M.C.s were RTE Newsreader Anne Doyle and M.E.P. Brian Crowley. The Award Judges were Cork City Manager Joe Gavin, Cork County Manager Martin Riordan and Hon., Chairman Bishop John Buckley.

The great benefit of award schemes is, they allow us tell the good news stories of Cork’s local heroes, and these inspirational stories are particularly important to lift our spirits, especially during recessionary times said Awards Organiser Manus O’Callaghan.

Speakers at the lunch, representing the award sponsors, were Tom Murphy, Chief Executive, Irish Examiner; Bride Rosney, Director of Communications RTE, John O’Flynn, General Manager, Sheraton Fota Island Hotel and Manus O’Callaghan of Southern Adv.

The Person of the Year award trophies were presented by Lord Mayor Brian Bermingham and the Mayor of Cork County Cllr. Noel Harrington.

The Persons of the Year were chosen from the Cork Persons of the Month picked last year. Cork Persons of Month from 2008

January: Pat Falvey & Dr. Clare O’Leary
- the Beyond Endurance Antarctic team to mark their historic 1140 km., walk, over 58 days, to the South Pole, in January ’08.

February: Tom McCarthy – on this, the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Irish Credit Union League, we mark Tom’s 40 plus years of voluntary service to the league.

March: Fr. James McSweeney – innovative parish work in city northside parishes that captured the imagination of young and old alike, such as a live animal crib at Christmas and spreading his love of nature through books, calendars and the web.

April: John Spillane – for his work in promoting Cork through his unique songs in Irish and English, this singer/songwriter maps our social history with songs such as Dunnes Stores Girl & Johnny Don’t go to Ballincollig.

May:
Anne Cleary – for empowering young people to take leadership in helping others, through her work as a youth leader with the Presentation Brothers Edmund Rice Action Movement.

June:
Niamh Gunn – the work of law hero Niamh, uncovered the evidence to set Walter Swift free from an American jail, after serving 26 years for a crime he did not commit.

July:
Ronan O’Gara – a glittering rugby career this year, including the Heineken Cup win and helping to establish the famous Munster brand throughout Ireland and beyond.

August:
Eleanor O’Sullivan – this young Ballymakeera girl believes in direct action to help the disadvantaged, and travelled alone to India to distribute clothes and help in children’s orphanages in Calcutta.

September: Tony Hegarty – celebrating his 60 year career in Cork theatre through cabaret, pantos, plays, musicals and The Swans. He’s worked as a performer, promoter and producer in every Cork theatre since the late 1940’s, and is very much a Cork comedian.

October:
Tom Butler – represents the best in volunteerism, through his work with Tidy Towns, School Boards, Credit Union, Residents Association, Scouts, Business Groups & Church. A great community activist especially through his leadership of the Tidy Town committee.

November:-
Gerry O’Sullivan – Professor O’Sullivan was recently awarded an honorary fellowship by the American College of Surgeons for his work, which includes the Cork Cancer Research Centre, one of the leading cancer research centres in Europe.

December:
Martin O’Donnell – as honorary chairman and medical officer Dr. Martin B. O’Donnell has maintained and enhanced the range of services for people with disabilities at St. Joseph’s Foundation, Charleville, which he helped found exactly 40 years ago in December 1968.