Hang-gliding enthusiasts grounded by pandemic

By James Hanly

The sport of Hang-gliding in Ireland is struggling as the community are forced to adhere to the new lockdown guidelines.

Now that people are not able to go more than 5km from their houses, except for work and elite sports, many hang-gliders cannot get to suitable hills to enjoy their pastime.

Although the hang-gliding community understand the importance of safety in the pandemic, some feel that this sport is necessary for the wellbeing of their mental health.

“I think it's good for mental health,” said Keith Diamond, member of the Irish Hang-Gliding and Paragliding Association (IHPA)

“Because it's a space where I don't think about anything else when I take off I just fly and I don't worry about any other problems in my life.”

Unlike some other sports, hang-gliding and paragliding can be done all year round provided the weather conditions are right.

Hang-gliding is considered a very dangerous thrill-seeking pastime, but enthusiasts say that proper training can easily minimize risk making it a perfect lockdown sport.

“You can't be any further from people when you're two or three thousand feet in the air,” Diamond said.

“There's nobody but you and the air around it and in terms of social distancing that is definitely an advantage of the sport.”

This lack of hang-gliding will also have a negative effect on the tourism industry in towns such as those surrounding the Lough Derg. The hills around North Tipperary and East Clare have become a big hotspot for Irish and international hang-gliders because of its ‘picturesque’ views and large fields for landing.

“It’s a beautiful, peaceful sport and it has virtually no impact on the environment,” says local enthusiast Dan Nolan.

Hang-gliding became very popular is Ireland in the 1970’s and the lack of sport and entertainment could inspire another resurgence in the country. IHPA members highly recommend the activity as a once in a lifetime opportunity.

“It's a special feeling and a special experience, there aren't many humans in the world that can say they can fly like a bird,” Keith Diamond concluded.