People from all walks of life and many parts of the world take part in the Croagh Patrick pilgrimage.
More than 30,000 people took part in the annual Croagh Patrick climb. Many of the pilgrims had travelled from all over the world to climb the Reek.
Barefoot pilgrims keeping alive a centuries old tradition step by painful step on the jagged slopes of Croagh Patrick.
Sister Elizabeth from Poland is one of the many who have made it to the top of the Reek described the climb as both a physical and spiritual experience. The climb was the fulfilment of a lifelong ambition for Bertie Flynn who is visually impaired and completed the climb along with his guide dog.
Mass was celebrated at the summit of the mountain by the Archbishop of Tuam, Dr Michael Neary. He congratulated the pilgrims on their climb but warned of the dangers of pushing religion to the margins of Irish society with too much emphasis on economic progress.
Many of the pilgrims were there to raise money for charity.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 30 July 2000. The reporter is Jim Fahy.
