Is this the oldest man to climb the Reek?

Is this the oldest man to climb the Reek?


Edwin McGreal

THERE have been many unique achievements and records set on Croagh Patrick down through the years but Meath man Clarence Corrigan looks like he has carved out a very special place for himself in the rich history and folklore of the holy mountain.
The fact that he is in his ninetieth year proved no barrier for Mr Corrigan in climbing the mountain last week and locals have hailed him as the oldest man to ever climb the famous Reek.
The climb of the mountain, at 764 metres above sea level, is considered tough by fit, young people but the Trim man never felt daunted by what he set out to do.
“I had no doubt at all that I could do it,” he told The Mayo News. “I knew I’d make it up. We went up in three hours, that included stopping on the way up for some sandwiches. We rested at the top for a while and then came back down. It was something I knew I could do because I knew what was in front of me from having climbed it before. I really enjoyed it.”
And the motive behind the incredible achievement is a touching love story. His wife of 57 years, Kathleen, suffers from Alzeihmer’s and has been a resident of Unit 1 of St Joseph’s Hospital (a nursing home) in Trim for the last two years. Clarence wanted to give something back.
“The reason I did it was to show appreciation for the unit. Kathleen is in long-term care there. They’re a very caring staff and what they do is out of this world. You couldn’t believe how caring they are. I wanted to show our appreciation in some small way because the work they have to do is not easy.
“I go in every day to St Joseph’s to see Kathleen and she was on my mind all the time when I was doing the climb. I couldn’t do half enough for St Joseph’s. They don’t have an easy job and a lot of people don’t appreciate the work they do. I certainly appreciate it.”
The idea to climb Croagh Patrick this year first hatched in Clarence’s mind when a family friend – Ann Gray – informed him she was doing the climb. And so it was that Ann, her son Simon, her sister Emily, Clarence’s grandchildren Jack and Katie O’Neill and Clarence set off on the expedition on Sunday, August 2. In fact five-year old Simon was completing his second climb on the mountain.
When they arrived at the Croagh Patrick Visitor Centre at the finish of the climb - Clarence did admit to getting some pain in his knees for the final part of the descent - a crowd had remained to applaud the stunning achievement.
Clarence will turn 90 on December 26 next. A retired mechanical engineer and small farmer his formula for long life is to quite simply stay active.
“I’m always on the go. It’s the only chance you have. That’s the secret to long life – don’t give into it. Keep going. I never drank or smoked either.”
While there is no definitive record of people who have climbed the Reek, Clarence Corrigan’s achievement is considered unique.
“I certainly have never heard of a person of that age climbing the Reek,” said Johnny Groden, Chairman of the Murrisk Development Association which is centrally involved in maintenance of the facilities at the Reek. “An 83-year old climbed it yesterday but for someone in their 90th year to climb it is very unique and must be a record.”
The fundraising efforts haven’t finished yet either and anyone who wants to contribute can do so by contacting Ger O’Neill, Clarence’s daughter, on 087-6183393.