Adverse weather conditions and safety concerns mean the Reek Sunday pilgrimage is called off.
Following consultations between Mayo Mountain Rescue personnel and the emergency services, a decision was taken to cancel the annual Reek Sunday pilgrimage on Croagh Patrick because of the weather conditions. Masses scheduled to be held on the summit were moved to a nearby church.
Archbishop of Tuam Dr Michael Neary always looks forward to the annual pilgrimage to Croagh Patrick.
It's just unfortunate that it had to be cancelled this year.
The tradition of climbing Croagh Patrick on the last Sunday in July goes back centuries. Despite a yellow weather warning for heavy rain and strong winds, thousands of people attempt to continue the tradition.
Tom Sweeney from Belmullet, County Mayo has made the ascent 30 or 35 times before, but found the 2015 climb hard going,
I'd say it was as bad as ever we’ve done it.
Ann-Marie Uí Fhlatharta from the Aran Islands left Inis Mór with her family before the pilgrimage had been cancelled. Now they are at Croagh Patrick,
Sure we’ll try it anyways, we’ll hike it.
It was also tough going for Gerry Doherty from Easkey, County Sligo,
That’s our penance done isn’t it?
Maggie Kenny from Roscommon found the weather on the summit was very wet and windy. Conditions improved as the day went on, but numbers making the 750 metre climb were well down on previous years. Mayo Mountain Rescue says eight people were assisted with minor injuries, most of them suffering from mild hypothermia.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 26 July 2015. The reporter is Pat McGrath.
