Sunshine draws thousands to Croagh Patrick for Reek Sunday 

THE sunny weather drew an estimated 5,000 people to Croagh Patrick for the long-running Reek Sunday pilgrimage this afternoon. 

Though the numbers attempting the centuries-old pilgrimage have declined in recent years, favourable weather conditions saw an increase in the estimated number of pilgrims who climbed the mountain last year. 

Fr John Kenny, Parish Priest of Westport, told The Mayo News that 2,000 Holy Communions were administered between 8 am and 2 pm. 

Fr Kenny estimated that over 2,000 people climbed the mountain without receiving Holy Communion, including several people who reached the top before 8 am and after 2 pm.

Approximately 4,000 people climbed Mayo’s holy mountain for Reek Sunday last year on a day which was beset by wet, windy weather conditions. 

This year’s pilgrimage was blessed with mostly sunny and very dry conditions throughout the day which made for ideal climbing conditions. 

The newly completed pilgrim’s path also enhanced the safety of many climbers on the mountain. 

Brian Moran, Assistant Commander with Westport Order of Malta, told The Mayo News that ten people received treatment at their base in Murrisk. Three were subsequently transferred to Mayo University Hospital, including one person who had to be airlifted from the mountain. None of the injuries sustained were serious.

_{Pilgrims descend Croagh Patrick on the newly-completed pilgrim's path (Pic: Conor McKeown)}

Approximately 200 people attended Mass on the summit for Garland Friday, followed by over 300 who attended Mass at the foot of the mountain in the evening. 

A number of people from Galway and Armagh climbed the mountain for Reek Sunday despite both counties being involved in the All-Ireland final in the afternoon.

Click here for more on the history behind the Reek Sunday pilgrimage.