In recent times there has been discussion and debate on how to increase the popularity of orienteering, both north and south of the border, as well as broadening participation for the present membership. The following outlines may suggest a possible way forward to promote the sport.

Some years ago, in the early nineties, there was a trend for two-day competitive events, which generally were held in both Northern Ireland and the Republic. I would suggest that a renewal of this type of event would bear fruit and inspire both beginners and experienced orienteers to take part on a regular basis.

Let us examine the possible locations for cross-border activity in the orienteering field. In the eastern sector of Ulster/Leinster we have up to date maps of Slieve Martin, Carlingford, Foxes Rock, Rockmarshall, Ravensdale, Slieve Croob, Slieve Gullion and possible Tollymore/Castlewellan. These locations have the benefit of being no more than 20 or 25 miles apart, thus offering potential competitors the opportunity of participating over a weekend with minimal expense of an overnight stay.

The choice of locations in the western Ulster/Connaught region is more limited, but still gives a good range with Florencecourt, Burren, Manorhamilton, Finner, Doohatty Glebe, with possibly Castle Archdale and Necarne. I believe there is also an orienteering map of Lough Key Forest Park. Once again all of these centres are within a radius of 20 - 25 miles.

Incidentally, perhaps the local clubs could consider the mapping of Lough Navar in this area, which could be within the FermO region. I would suggest that Knader forest in the Ballyshannon/Beleek area could be mapped by the Connaught Regional Council, perhaps with the assistance of FermO.

Finally, I have a vague memory of competing in the Cootehill area, near Bellamont. I do not know if this is still viable as an orienteering location, but perhaps with the added initiative of a mapping exercise from the embryonic SUMO club, a two-day event or so could be organised in the Armagh/Monaghan/Cavan area.

On the above basis, by pairing events over a weekend in each jurisdiction, five or six two-day events could be organised during each competitive season, with options easily available over several years. I would suggest that this cycle of events could be run as an ongoing competition in itself, with perhaps the best 4 or 5 results to count in assessing the winners, depending on the number of events organised. I would further suggest that the event standard be less than championship level, to encourage others than the elite to compete, while still maintaining a competitive basis.

Not everyone would be willing or able to participate at a high level for two successive days, so I consider that the enjoyment/fun quotient should be paramount.

What advantages would these proposals bring?

(a) A further level of competition between normal club colour events and provincial championships;

(b) A structured series of events spread over the season, enabling competitors to maintain competitive sharpness and remain "match fit";

(c) An opportunity for the more occasional participant, who does not see himself taking part in the more important championships, to compete at a higher level;

(d) An introduction for younger members to more competitive activity outside club structures;

(e) The possibility of a more focused inter-club competitiveness could also be considered in this context;

(f) The outlying areas of orienteering, i.e. Connaught/Munster might be encouraged by limiting travel to the border areas, and more Dublin club members would find themselves able to compete;

(g) An overall increase in inter-regional activity, in the hope that standards of the international teams would improve, coupled with increased intercourse between North and South, as proposed in the Good Friday Agreement!

David Hogg,

North West OC.