TWO IRISH CLIMBERS have reached the summit of Mount Everest.

Derek Mahon, a senior manager at Danske Bank from Dublin, along with six times Everest conqueror Noel Hanna from County Down reached the 8,850 metre peak on Saturday morning.

The two men, who are part of a seven-man team, are making their descent with the guidance of their Sherpas.

Mahon is a seasoned climber, partnered with the mental health organisation Grow to raise awareness of the importance of supporting good mental health.

Speaking before he left for his adventure, he said the “This climb is 10 per cent luck, 20 per cent physical and 70 per cent mental”.

“A lot of is down to having the strength of mind to keep going, even when your body is screaming to stop. I am hoping that that message will resonate with people who are suffering with mental health issues and who may also need encouragement to keep going in their own fight.”

Read: Sherpas fear for their livelihoods as Everest ‘shuts down’>

Read: Climbers told to clean-up on Mount Everest – or face a penalty>