Scouts 11 May 2025

Ulster MPC 🥾

Mountain Pursuit Challenges (MPCs) are hillwalking, backpacking and wild camping challenges organised by Scouting Ireland, which are designed to push participants to their limits to complete these full-weekend challenges.

Participants must work in teams of three or four and carry all their own gear including tents, clothes, food, cooking equipment, sleeping bags, bivy bags and more. They must navigate their way across unfamiliar terrain over the course of three days to complete the challenge.

Over the weekend of May 9th, 10th and 11th, seven of our 1st Meath Dunboyne Scouts, under the guidance of two Leaders undertook the Ulster MPC, which on this occasion took place in the world famous Mourne Mountains in County Down.

Méabh Ní Thiarnáin (Leader), Dave Renshaw (Leader), Alex Betson (5th MPC), Emily Kenerney (1st MPC), Molly Lonergan (2nd MPC), Saoirse Sludds (1st MPC), Erin Higgins (1st MPC), Lucy Brown (1st MPC), Sadhbh Keane (1st MPC)

After a gentle start on Friday evening, Saturday was a real challenge, where the Scouts and Leaders were required to complete Seven Peaks, carrying their full gear including:

Slievenagloch (588m)
Slieve Carragh (573m)
Slieve Commedagh (765m)
Slieve Donard (853m)
Slieve Beg (580m)
Cove Mountain (655m)
Slieve Lamagan (704m)

Hiking these seven peaks carrying full gear was very tough going, but the weather was nothing short of glorious and the Mournes were looking at their very best. Our Scouts were amazing and all managed to stick the course and complete the challenge. Special praise for the five fist time MPC participants, for completing what was generally acknowledged as a very tough edition of the Ulster MPC.

Special thank you to Méabh Ní Thiarnáin and Dave Renshaw for leading this MPC weekend from a 1st Meath Dunboyne Scouts perspective. And also a special mention to Celine Sludds and Barry Lonergan for providing transport to and from the Mourne Mountains for our teams.

Each of the four Provinces host MPCs, and Scouts are encouraged complete all four provincial MPCs, to complete the full set or Diamond, as the badges awarded to successful participants are diamond in shape.