5,000 pilgrims and a holy Joe climb the Reek
AN estimated 5,000 pilgrims took part in the annual climb up Croagh Patrick yesterday in a tradition known as Reek Sunday.
And joining the devoted flock on the Co. Mayo mountain was popular broadcaster and author Joe Duffy.
He announced to his fans on Twitter that he made the pilgrimage this year.
And while the veteran Liveline host dubbed his participation in the annual event a ‘once in a lifetime experience’, he added that he would
Man, 46, evacuated with chest pains
never want to do it again.
But it wasn’t just a Joe show yesterday because, along the way, Duffy crossed paths with reporter Paddy O’Gorman, who was working on a report on the pilgrimage for RTÉ’s Seán O’Rourke show.
Archbishop of Tuam Michael Neary led the pilgrimage and hourly Masses were celebrated at the summit from early morning. The pilgrimage is held in honour of St Patrick who is said to have fasted and prayed on the summit for 40 days in the year 441.
As is often the case, several participants had to be assisted during the 764m ascent. Mayo Mountain Rescue had a busy day and treated a number of individuals, including a 71-year-old woman who was dehydrated and a 54-year-old man who suffered an ankle injury.
A 46-year-old man also had to be evacuated by Air Corps helicopter to hospital with chest pain.