Climbing Croagh Patrick? Check with the doc first...

INEXPERIENCED climbers planning to take part in the Croagh Patrick pilgrimage tomorrow have been urged to get checked out by their GPs before attempting the ascent.

Up to 25,000 pilgrims are expected to climb the holy mountain over this weekend, with the vast bulk of ascents to the Co. Mayo peak taking place tomorrow on Reek Sunday.

Mayo Mountain Rescue team has teamed up with organisations across the country to launch what will be the biggest mountain rescue operation in Ireland this year.

But organisers have urged participants, particularly novice climbers, not to underestimate the difficulty of the climb to the summit of the 764m peak, and to consider booking a health check before attempting to scale it.

Cameron Clotworthy, spokesman for Mayo Mountain Rescue, said: ‘Around 80% of our call-outs every year are for Croagh Patrick, because of the volume of people who climb the mountain. But it’s by no means a straightforward climb, and it’s getting increasingly difficult because there has been a lot of erosion. One of the biggest pieces of advice we would give would be for people to be mindful of what they’re capable of and to get their fitness levels assessed before taking it on.

‘If you’ve never climbed it before, you should get yourself checked out by your GP, because it could potentially save your life. And if you’re feeling unwell, please don’t attempt it. The mountain isn’t going to go anywhere, so you could attempt it another day.’

Archbishop Michael Neary will lead this year’s pilgrimage, with regular Mass celebrations and confessionals taking place on the summit throughout Reek Sunday.