Lynam Lecture 29th November

The “Lynam Lecture” is aimed at continuing the legacy of Joss Lynam (1924 – 2011), in recognition of his enormous contribution to mountaineering, walking, orienteering and outdoor adventure activities in Ireland over some 60 years. Joss was a founder member of Irish Orienteers and then of 3ROC and he was an active orienteer right up to the end of his life. His daughter, Ruth, and his grandsons Ruairi and Conor Short will be familiar to orienteers. He was the initiator of numerous developments in these areas, the strong advocate for a number of generations of Irish mountaineers and the representative of Irish mountaineering on a world stage through his involvement with the UIAA.

For 2012, Mountaineering Ireland has invited Dawson Stelfox, well-known Irish Mountaineer and member of the first successful Irish ascent of Everest in 1993, to deliver the Lynam Lecture.

Dawson’s lecture will be entitled ‘High Points’ and looks at his early expeditions to Iran, Peru, India, Pakistan and Nepal. These initial mountaineering trips grew in scope and ambition, culminating in the first Irish expedition to Everest in 1993, when Dawson was part of the group to summit Everest via the North Ridge. Latterly,  Dawson has been very involved in introducing young climbers to the risks and rewards of the high mountains, bringing groups to the Caucasus, Alps and to Norway.

A good friend of Joss Lynam over many years, Dawson will also be reflecting on the legacy of Joss in supporting and encouraging young Irish Mountaineers to explore the greater ranges of the world.

The Lynam Lecture will be held Trinity College, Dublin at 7.15 on 29th November.  Joss was a civil engineering graduate of Trinity and on 14 Dec 2001, he was conferred with an honorary doctorate from  the college. Mountaineering Ireland would like to thank Trinity College Dublin for supporting this lecture by making available the Edmund Burke Theatre.

Joss Lynam (29 June 1924 – 09 January 2011)