Almost there – 365 climbs of the Reek later

Matt Loughrey has climbed Croagh Patrick in all types of weather conditions during his 360 climbs to date - but he is hoping for a sunny conclusion on Saturday.?Pic: Paul Mealey

Loughrey eyes end of ‘amazing journey’


Trevor Quinn

MATT Loughrey, the man behind the novel Croagh Patrick 365 challenge, is hoping to bask in the sunshine next Saturday afternoon when he climbs the holy mountain for the final and 365th time in a row.
“Rain and fog all of the way. It’s set to break midweek. Sunshine on the cards for the home stretch. It’s been an amazing journey,“ he adds jovially. Matt told The Mayo News he is humbled by the amount of people who have informed them they are attending the final day’s festivities on Saturday next.
“There are people coming from Sligo, the US, France and the UK, it’s absolutely crazy”. Castlebar based DJ Johnny Oosten is setting up a Skype link on top of the holy mountain so that friends and acquaintances of Matt’s who have participated during the year can feel a part of the day.
The former Croagh Patrick tour guide credits the wonderful camaraderie from well-wishers, family and friends as his driving force as he closes in on the penultimate stage of the Croagh Patrick 365 challenge in aid of St Vincent de Paul Society. He has watched in delight as the event has grown gradually and the awareness has steadily increased.
Matt says he expects 700 or 800 people to accompany him up Croagh Patrick on his final sojourn at midday on Saturday. “People are buying plane tickets to be here so it’s really incredible,” he said.
Iconic former international rugby player Mick Galwey will join Matt as will a number of associates from St Vincent de Paul. An evening of traditional dance, food and drink will proceed in the newly-refurbished Campbell’s bar after the last climb.
Matt said to mark the end of this extraordinary achievement, Fr John Kenny, PP, Partry, Claremorris, will celebrate Mass in the Chapel on the summit at 1.30pm. This event is open to everyone. All are welcome to come along and join in the ‘feel good factor’ of the day.
Following the success of the fundraising campaign which has accumulated more than €30,000 to date, Loughrey has now announced that he plans to continue the 365 challenge for a further two years. He will partake in a different type of challenge however, and the details of this new daily adventure will be revealed on Saturday.
After Saturday Matt said he will take four months off to ‘get a bit of rest and get some weight back on’. He intends to take a month long siesta in the United States where he says he will unwind and bulk up.
For more information on the challenge or to donate, visit www.croaghpatrick365.com.

NEXT WEEK Follow Matt’s final climb as Trevor Quinn joins him on the last of his 365 journeys to the summit of Croagh Patrick.