Thousands to take part in annual Croagh Patrick challenge

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Written by Avril Horan

Wednesday, 25 July 2007

The B&B is booked, the hiking boots are out of the box, and this weekend you will find me up a mountain.

It wasn’t my idea; it’s never my idea. I blame Carmel. Carmel and I are childhood friends. At 5ft 9, she towers over my 5ft 5 frame and, I am telling you, those long legs give her a natural advantage. She has always been athletic, good at all sports and quietly competitive. You know the type. She swims 80 lengths of her local swimming pool for fun. For fun, I say!

Anyhow, for the second year in a row, she has roped me in to climbing Croagh Patrick in County Mayo. I will be joining in with the crowds as I huff and puff my way up the mountain. Last year, I ventured forth with all the gusto of an excited puppy, but had no idea how physically challenging the climb actually is. By the time I met with the statue of Saint Patrick, about ten minutes in, I was ready to turn back and call it a day. But no, long legs herself bounded up the hill as I struggled with the rocks, nooks and crannies. Many people, young and old, passed me out as though it was a Sunday walk in the park.

They should have a line for novices. Or a cable car. Yes, that’s it; I will call for a cable car to be installed at Croagh Patrick so the less athletic among us can enjoy the benefits without the toil. I will get some politician to back my cause and Bob’s your uncle - state-of-the-art transport in idyllic surroundings. Sure, I can write the headline myself.

Until then, I will give it a lash again this year and enjoy the challenge. My experience has given me newfound admiration for those who climb the Reek either annually or on a regular basis. This Sunday is the traditional day of pilgrimage and I will be joining up to 25,000 people who will make the ascent – many of them barefoot - as tradition dictates. Croagh Patrick is steeped in history as Ireland’s holy mountain - where it’s said Saint Patrick fasted for 40 days and nights and banished snakes from the land. Thousands come to pay homage to the patron Saint throughout the year.

Many undertake the gruelling climb to raise money for charity. This year the Chernobyl Aid Ireland (CAI) Galway group will host the annual fun cycle and climb to Croagh Patrick. Previous years have seen hundreds of participants take part to raise vital funds for refurbishment work of Belarusian orphanages. Participants will endeavour to cycle the 80km from Oughterard to Croagh Patrick, to climb the mountain, descend, and then cycle 80km back to Oughterard. If any of ye taking part in the challenge bump into me then do say hi – you can’t miss me - I will be the one being carried by a gal with long legs lamenting the lack of an alternative mode of transport.

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