In 2008, on Easter Monday, I painted the cross and afterwards called into Joan to tell her the job was done for another year. As we stood in her back garden looking up at Galtymore, we weren’t to know that Joan was to pass away two days later. I’ll never forget her kindness and the warm welcome I received every time I visited her and her brother Bill, who died just a few months after Joan. We became friends the first moment we met, because we shared a passion for the Galtees and for the cross that stands on Galtymore. A true friend, sadly missed, but I know where her spirit can be found. ANNIVERSARY EVENT IN SEPTEMBER This year, when we get a dry day, I’ll be back up painting, using the good stuff, and every brush stroke will remind me of the man and woman who did this labour of love, year after year, long before I knew the pleasures of walking on the Galtees. I’ll spare a thought for all the others who helped erect the crosses on Galtymore. If you’re around, I’ll have a spare brush, and a bin liner to cover your jacket, and you can become part of this amazing story. I might even show you where Joan’s cross is. Thank you to all who have helped me paint the cross over the years, it is much appreciated. At 2.00pm on September 14th, 2025, a gathering will be held on Galtymore to mark the anniversary of the current cross. You can walk there from any side or take any route of your choice, but at 2.00pm we will have a short service of remembrance on Galtymore for all who turn up and for all the people we want to remember who are no longer with us. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Jimmy Barry is a hillwalker, a member of Mountaineering Ireland, a founding member of Mountain Meitheal South East, author of Under Galtee Skies and a part-time Galtymore cross painter. MOUNTAIN LOG GALTYMORE CROSSES 47
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