Last Sunday saw a large turnout for the annual Talk and Walk event in Ards.
Coillte have hosted a total of 5 of these in various locations all over Ireland during May and have allowed families to enter the parks without being charged at the entrance.
The walks are part of the Green Ribbon campaign which wants to encourage everyone to talk more about mental health. Donegal Local Development Company; Irish Farmers Association and Mental Health Ireland and Coillte have all be supporting the walk in Ards Forest for the last 3 years and it seems to be growing bigger each year.
Despite hail and rain in the morning, the weather improved to help everyone get the most out of the afternoon.
Local World Champion and former Donegal Person of the Year Hugh Gallagher got the show going with a blow of his whistle and a hearty smile. At the young age of 92, he is still training away for forthcoming races!
Then Aengus Kennedy from Nature Northwest led a very informative nature walk which was very popular. The Walking Football game proved highly entertaining. Michael Chance had several good chances but was not able to get past Kate, his wife, who gave an excellent display of man-to-man marking. There was face painting for all and some beautiful Nature Crowns on display.
By 4.30pm everyone was well ready for refreshments and a rest. This was served beside the play area and people had a chance to read some of the information on the boards about Mental Health. Bill Vaughan from Mental health Ireland gave a short talk about the campaign and the importance of finding ways to slow down and unwind.
The day finished on a musical high with Zara Montgomery and Michael Gillespie playing a selection of songs to suit the occasion.
Well done to everyone who helped make this a very enjoyable family day out. We will see you all next year.
