Mountaineering Ireland, Ireland’s national governing body for hill-walkers and climbers, has appointed Claremorris man Karl Boyle as its chief officer. The appointment comes at an exciting time for Mountaineering Ireland during the implementation of its new Strategic Development Plan 2009–2013.
Karl has joined Mountaineering Ireland from the Defence Forces where he served for more than 12 years. His experiences include service with the United Nations in Liberia and with the European Union Force in Bosnia. Karl is a graduate of commerce from NUI Galway and has a master’s of business administration from Dublin City University. A native of Claremorris, he is a former Mayo inter-county footballer and has had a keen interest in hill-walking for many years.
Karl joins Mountaineering Ireland with a determination to increase participation in the sport, which includes hill walking, rock climbing, rambling, bouldering, and alpinism. “Participation in mountaineering is open to all age groups, all levels of ability, and the skills learned through the many training courses provided by Mountaineering Ireland have significant personal and community development outcomes,” he said. “The sport has wonderful health and societal benefits and can be enjoyed with little individual expenditure. There is also a need to continue the implementation of our environmental, access, and conservation policies and ensure that the Irish uplands are used in a sustainable manner.”
Announcing the appointment Ruairí Ó Conchúir, chairperson of Mountaineering Ireland, said: “We are delighted to have Mr Karl Boyle as chief officer to lead Mountaineering Ireland in the next phase of its development, a role which will be both challenging and exciting. Karl brings vision, determination, and passion to the cause of Mountaineering Ireland and will be a huge asset to our organisation. His background in the Defence Forces combined with his own personal strengths will ensure that Mountaineering Ireland will play a leading role in the delivery of the goals of the Irish Sports Council and Sports Northern Ireland. Ultimately hill-walking and mountaineering is a sport for life. Both young and old can enjoy the wonderful free resource we have in the hills and mountains of Ireland. Karl will play a key role in getting people actively participating in the sport.”
Anyone who is interested in walking in the Irish hills, including tourists, can contact Mountaineering Ireland for advice at its office or by visiting www.mountaineering.ie where information on all aspects of mountaineering is available, including best practice guidelines, training courses, and details of local clubs to help people have a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience. Communities and groups that would like to form their own walking club should contact Mountaineering Ireland for help in doing so.
