The Way that we Climbed: A look at the rivalry of Irish climbers

Hillwalking, climbing and mountaineering have long been favourite pastimes in this country. Dan MacCarthy says Paddy O’Leary’s new history captures the intense rivalry of these sports’ participants

IT IS the peculiar nature of certain activities to be omitted from the glare of publicity that attends other pursuits. Thus it is with mountaineering.

There are no Ronan O’Garas grimly hanging on a cliff face. No Robbie Keanes fording an icy river. No Padraig Harringtons carrying a stricken friend down a mountain.