Legacies and achievements
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Irish climber and chair of the Irish Upland Forum, Frank Nugent, referred to Joss Lynam as "one of the most significant people in Irish mountaineering" and that Lynam was also "... one of the few Irish climbers to be known internationally". [2]His international reach in his mountaineering inspiration to other climbers was as a result of his sheer passion and involvement in a variety of different mountaineering groups. His expertise and inspiration are seen from him being the founding member of the Irish Mountaineering Club, alongside Bill Perrot, [1948]. [3][4] Joss Lynam had a significant impact on mountaineering through this Club with Bill Perrot as he ensured the club was of a mixed group and allowed for anyone to join, which was somewhat unorthodox at this time as many English and international clubs were male only.[3][4]
Lynam played a key role in the development for adventure sports in Ireland, and was a chairperson of the Association for Adventure Sports.[3][2][4] Lynam was also the initiator in helping create the network of waymarked trails across Ireland, being chair of the National Waymarked Ways Advisory Committee [1984-2007], which extended over 2,000 miles on more than 30 routes.[3][2]
Lynam’s involvement continued throughout various committees and organisations, as well as clubs, where he participated in Cospóir, the national Sports council [1974-1984].[3] In 1990s, Lynam shared his experience internationally in his role as president of the Union Internationale des Associations d’Alpinisme’s (UIAA) expeditions commission.[3][4] Within this role he allowed for countries such as Pakistan, India, and Nepal in mountaineering “space” after years of being overlooked [5] and also represented Ireland in a special council meeting within the union.[2]
Lynam was a monumental figure in Irish mountaineering, both as a national and international body as Dawson Stelfox, the first Irishman to conquer Everest described him as, “The voice of Irish mountaineering on the international stage”.[2]
Lynam’s influence both locally and nationally are seen throughout his short books and guides which introduced many to the hills and trails of Ireland, such as; “Irish Peaks” [1982], and “Leisure Walks Near Dublin” [2004]. Lynam’s legacy lives on through his many handwritten and edited books, one especially being “Best Irish Walks”, which was first published in 1994, and known as the most useful guide available. His mapping skills are seen in his elaborate guide, “The mountains of Connemara” [1988]. Lynam also edited “Irish Mountain Log” for over twenty-five years and later made some contributions to the journal.[4]
Lynam’s name is seen as historic in mountaineering as his name and list of peaks are preserved in an authoritative list of Irish summits over 600m, and are known as Vandeleur-Lynams because of Lynam’s issue of the first version of Irish mountains over 2,000 feet in 1952. His legacy continues to live on through quotes in many publications, such as the author of “A guide to Ireland’s mountain summits”, regarding Lynam as a “...major authority in Irish hillwalking and his views will continue to be important for many years”, published in 2013.[4]
- ^ "Inspirational mountaineer who helped map the way". The Irish Times. Retrieved 2019-11-19.
- ^ a b c d e Siggins, Lorna. "Death of mountaineer Joss Lynam". The Irish Times. Retrieved 2019-11-14.
- ^ a b c d e f "Inspirational mountaineer who helped map the way". The Irish Times. Retrieved 2019-11-14.
- ^ a b c d e f "Dictionary of Irish Biography - Cambridge University Press". dib.cambridge.org. Retrieved 2019-11-14.
- ^ "Shibboleth Authentication Request". ucd.idm.oclc.org. Retrieved 2019-11-14.