Category: News

It’s hard to comprehend the damage that Storm Éowyn has wrecked on Northern Irish forests until you see them for yourselves. To get a sense of what we are dealing with, Stephen Reid has produced an incredibly sad but unfortunately truthful video from Tardree Forest. As we are slowly allowed back into our woodlands, we are coming to terms with the fact that we will not be able to orienteer in some areas for the foreseeable future. We are currently undertaking an audit of our forest maps so that we have a full picture, but stories like 10,000 trees down Read More …

A week after Storm Éowyn it is apparent that some of our forested areas have been hit hard, but others have been pretty much unscathed. As a club we need an audit to work out how this will affect our fixture list, so we need “boots on the ground” to check over all our mapped woodlands. This is quite an extensive task so it’s necessary to mobilise the club. No special skills are required, other than basic experience of orienteering! So what is involved? Listed here are the various maps that need to be checked, so please look at the Read More …

It is with great happiness and relief that we can announce entries for the NI Score Orienteering Championships are now open. Taking place in Donard Forest on Saturday 15 February 1pm-2pm, see how many controls you can visit within an hour (or 45mins for juniors)! Full details can be found here: https://lvo.org.uk/allfixtures/ni-score-champs-25/ Enter directly here: https://www.sientries.co.uk/event.php?elid=Y&event_id=15142 NIOA Prize-giving and AGM will follow the Score event at 4pm in Kilmeggan Centre, Castlewellan. It is with equal sadness that we’ve had to cancel the NI Night Championships. Storm Éowyn decimated Castlewellan Forest. We thank the event officials (Mark, Jo, Carol and Greg) Read More …

After checking Stranmillis College for storm damage, we’re happy to say that our Club Meet on Saturday 8 February will definitely take place. Come along to practice sprint orienteering, control descriptions, parts of the 2011 JK course and a fun relay to end with. Full details can be found here: https://lvo.org.uk/allfixtures/club-meet-feb-25/ Or sign-up straightaway here: https://forms.office.com/r/UGXZmq6mxw

Are you interested in learning a life saving skill? As well as supporting your club members with providing first aid support, you will be equipped to save a life at home. Choose between a 1-day REC 1 course or the 2-day REC 2 course. Overnight indoor and outdoor camping facilities available for those staying for the 2 days and do not want to travel. For more information and to register get in touch with Ric Gamble: rdo@niorienteeing.org.uk or 07717297676

It was our intention to open this week entries for the NI Score Championships in Donard Forest and NI Night Championships in Castlewellan Forest Park (scheduled for Saturday 15 February). After the passing of Storm Éowyn, we are now unsure whether or not these forests are still runnable or even standing. We’ve been unable to access Castlewellan and event officials are planning to check Donard this coming weekend. Once we carry out checks and event officials report back whether the planned courses can be run, we can then make the decision whether or the events can take place on Saturday Read More …

Firstly I hope that everyone is safe and sound after the weekend of storms. I know that there is a massive clear-up on a personal level, with garden trees down, glasshouses broken, tiles dislodged. I know also that many of you have been without power, broadband and mobile signal. I hope that everything is soon restored, cleaned up and put back in place, so that we can get on with our daily lives again. There are many reports of devastation to the forests that we orienteer in. I’ve heard that Castlewellan and Kilbroney are still closed, with trees down across Read More …

Due to the severe weather, Cairn Wood has been closed by the council and unfortunately we have to postpone tomorrow (Saturday’s) Club Score Champs. We will look to arrange another date (potentially Saturday 22 March, TBC) and carry over the entries that are currently in the system. Alternatively, if you want to cancel your entry for a refund please contact us at entries @ lvo.org.uk

Due to the RED weather warning for Friday we MAY have to postpone the Score Champs at Cairn Wood on Saturday. Even if the storm blows through tomorrow evening there may be forest damage and the council may keep the forest closed until they have inspected and made safe. We will need to check for storm damage affecting courses ourselves on Saturday morning. We will confirm the status via email and website by 09:30 on Saturday morning. If we have to cancel we let you know about options for postponement and refunds.

Are you ready to improve your skills and take your orienteering to the next level? Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting out, our club coaching sessions are designed to help you achieve your goals in a fun and supportive way. Come along to our next Club Meet session at Stranmillis University on Saturday 8 February, from 10am to 2pm. Join our expert coaches and meet our friendly community, as we hone our sprint skills in preparation for the Irish Orienteering Championships in May. Full details can be found here: https://lvo.org.uk/allfixtures/club-meet-feb-25/ Or sign-up straightaway here: https://forms.office.com/r/UGXZmq6mxw