Croagh Patrick charity climb passes off without violence

FEARS of violence at Croagh Patrick have abated after a charity climb passed off without incident this afternoon (Saturday).

Six gardaí were present at the mountain as part of a policing plan which was put in place after fears arose of potential violence between feuding families.

Approximately 50 people undertook the climb this morning alongside UK-based celebrity Paddy Doherty, who had made several appeals against violence on the day of the climb.

Mass was said by Br Bryan Shorthall at the bottom of the Reek shortly before the main group began the ascend after 10am.

Several more individuals climbed the mountain after the main group, who arrived at the bottom of the mountain around 2.30pm.

Mr Doherty undertook the climb today (Saturday) in aid of an orphanage in Ukraine.

Speaking at the top of the mountain, Mr Doherty said he was ‘so happy’ to have completed the climb, before listing out the names of several relatives.

“Thank you, God, for letting me do it again, and to everyone who donated to them children in Ukraine. Thank you very, very much. Thank you very, very much,” said Mr Doherty in a video on his Facebook page.

Martin Collins, Co-Director of Pavee Point Traveller Centre, had branded talks of violence as ‘hysteria’ when he spoke to The Mayo News earlier this week.

Several local businesses in Westport have installed extra security at their premises amid fears of anti-social behaviour over this weekend.

Speaking to The Mayo News this afternoon (Saturday) local county councillor Christy Hyland said there was ‘panic created on social media’, by ‘people who should know better’.

“I think this fear was created by social media, and legislation is required to deal with social media,” said the former garda.

“Social media can create stress in many areas and has done in the past and will continue to do so, unless legislation is implemented by the government to deal with it.”