Pilgrims back on top of the world
BLUE skies greeted the first Croagh Patrick pilgrims since 2019, as thousands made the climb up the historic mountain for Reek Sunday.
People have climbed the mountain for over 1,500 years, emulating St. Patrick, who is said to have spent 40 days and nights on the summit in 441 AD.
And after a Covid-induced break for two years, they were back in full force.
From early morning, people streamed up the peak, with some even opting to go barefoot.
The Order of Malta and Mayo Mountain Rescue had warned those attempting the climb to be extra vigilant, and as only eight people had to be assisted – mostly for fatigue – most seemed to have taken this advice.
A new pathway is under construction, aimed at curbing some of the damage caused by thousands of boots as 120,000 people climb the mountain annually.
Tom Quirke was full of praise for the pathway, telling RTÉ News that when it was done it would be ‘like a stairway to heaven’.
Archbishop of Tuam Francis Duffy, 63, did the pilgrimage, along with other prominent religious figures.
Also completing the climb were 16 of Johnny McCowen’s friends from Co. Offaly and Co. Laois, who were fundraising for his medical treatment.
Mr McCowen was diagnosed with ALS, a form of motor neurone disease, in September last year. His family set up a GoFundMe to help with his medical expenses and to provide for his wife and two daughters in the future, as ALS is a terminal illness.
In a heartfelt moment, Mr McCowen’s friends sang Pride (In The Name Of Love) by U2 at the top of Croagh Patrick, having also managed to raise more than the €20,000 goal.
The participants also revealed that many people donated while on the walk, having stopped to ask the climbers what they were fundraising for.