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THE DEGRADED STATE of pathways on Croagh Patrick is being highlighted, ahead of the traditional ‘Reek Sunday’ climb – set to get under way in the next few hours.
Between 15,000 and 20,000 people are expected to climb what’s regarded as the country’s holiest mountain this weekend.
The pilgrimage is traditionally held on the last Sunday of each July.
Mayo Mountain Rescue spokesperson Ruth Cunniffe told TheJournal.ie there were signs of significant erosion on the mountain – and recommended anyone attempting the climb wear appropriate footwear.
Meanwhile, Mayo County Council is due to discuss future plans for the mountain at a meeting next Monday night, the Mayo News is reporting.
Scottish mountaineering expert Bob Aitken described the route up Croagh Patrick as “the worst-damaged pathway in the UK and Ireland” at a seminar in Murrisk in 2013.
While a study carried out by Mountaineering Ireland found that:
The path is in a significantly degraded state and the visual impact of the erosion is highly visible both from near and distant views.
Reek Sunday
Around 13 volunteer mountain rescue teams from all over the country are in the area this evening, preparing for tomorrow’s operation.
The Civil Defence, the Order of Malta, gardaí and other agencies will also be involved in the weekend response.
Cunniffe said mountain rescue members would be in place from around 2am – as some people still carry out the climb overnight. The busiest time is generally between 6am and midday, she said.
“We’re generally off the mountain by 8.30 in the evening. Except last year, we were all off and showered and another call came in at 9 o’clock.”
Two people – a man and a woman – were airlifted from the mountain by the Air Corps last year. A number of other people were treated for less serious injuries. Broken bones and scrapes aren’t uncommon on the climb, Cunniffe said.
The Mayo Mountain Rescue Team have issued the following advice ahead of the climb (more on their website).
Summit masses
Mass will be said at the summit at 8am and every half hour, until the final service at 2pm.
Archbishop Michael Neary of Tuam will start his climb of the mountain at 7am, and will say mass at the summit at 10.30am.
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