Westport duo climb Reek one backward step at a time

JOB DONE  SeΡn Quirke and Cllr Brendan Mulroy (third and fourth from right) at the bottom of the Reek after completing the climb backwards on Good Friday. Also pictured are their support team, from left: Kenneth Lavelle, John Walshe, Danny Coughlan, Declan Ryan, Shane Moran, Alan Mulroy and Kieran Lally.

Anton McNulty

WHAT started off as a joke about Mayo winning the All-Ireland last September became a reality on Good Friday when Westport councillor Brendan Mulroy climbed Croagh Patrick while walking backwards.
The Fianna FΡil councillor along with fellow Westport man SeΡn Quirke set out at the foot of the Reek at 7am on Good Friday and while at all times facing Clew Bay, they managed to reach the summit some three hours later.
“It was very difficult,” Brendan admitted after successfully completing the climb. “The body is very sore but otherwise it went very well and was enjoyable. The toughest part was at the cone which was really difficult and physically very challenging. In fairness we put in eight weeks of training into it and without that we would not have been able to do it.”
Regular updates and videos of the climb were shared on Brendan Mulroy’s Facebook page during the climb. The two men were accompanied by eight others who acted as their support and took turns to walk in front of them, and with the help of a walking stick, they guided them up the mountain. They were Shane Moran, John Walshe, Alan Mulroy, Kieran Lally, Michael Killeen, Kenneth Lavelle, Danny Coughlin and Declan Ryan.
Cllr Mulroy, who is also a care assistant with Western Care, said that without their help and support, they would not have been able to complete the task and both himself and SeΡn appreciated all their help.
The idea of walking up the Reek backwards originated back in September when Cllr Mulroy said he would take up the challenge if Mayo won the All-Ireland.
“There was a lot of banter online at the time with Dublin supporters but sadly Mayo did not win. Despite that we decided to hold out on it and do the challenge anyway and make it a fundraiser for Mayo Mountain Rescue. We just had to get the right support and logistics in order and once we did that, we decided to do it,” he said.
Donations for Mayo Mountain Rescue can be made by clinking on a link on Brendan Mulroy’s Facebook page.