Two airlifted off Croagh Patrick on pilgrimage day
TWELVE people were injured yesterday during the annual pilgrimage to Croagh Patrick.
Despite the balmy conditions, it was the busiest day of the year for Mayo Mountain Rescue as up to 12,000 people ascended Ireland’s holiest mountain. Two people were said to be in a serious condition and were airlifted from the mountain to Mayo General Hospital by the Air Corps. One man sustained a head injury after a fall close to the summit, at around 7am yesterday morning.
A second man suffered suspected heart problems near the bottom of the reek towards Murrisk at around 10.30am and was looked after by the Order of Malta.
The pilgrimage was led by Arch- bishop of Tuam Michael Neary. He was accompanied by Bishop of Achonry Brendan Kelly and Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Charles Brown, who said Mass at the summit.
Masses were celebrated on the summit from 8am and at every half-hour until 2pm yesterday.
Thousands of pilgrims ascend the 764metre mountain annually on Reek Sunday, the last Sunday of July.