Weather gods not smiling on Reek Sunday

Weather gods not smiling on Reek Sunday


Áine Ryan

WEATHER conditions were hazardous for pilgrims climbing Croagh Patrick for the annual Reek Sunday pilgrimage, which saw official numbers down marginally from last year, to 18,000.
However, this figure was counter-balanced by the thousands of people who climbed the 2,510ft (765m) high pyramidal mountain on Garland Friday and on Saturday last when conditions were ideal for the arduous trek.
A spokesman for Mayo Mountain Rescue told The Mayo News yesterday that eight of the 12 mountain rescue teams from around the country were on call on Croagh Patrick over the weekend, with around 100 people on duty. This rescue effort was further strengthened by Order of Malta volunteers.
Mr Dick Harnedy of Mayo Mountain rescue said: “There were about 28 incidents including five minor head injuries.”
“One of the biggest problems on Sunday was children getting cold and suffering mild hypothermia.
“A number of people suffered from panic attacks and had to be walked down, while one person with a lower leg injury was taken to Mayo General Hospital,” said Mr Harnedy.
He also said that a small number of climbers suffered from asthma attacks and two people complained of chest pains.