THERE is a reassuring coincidence in the fact that in the very week that Pope Francis published an encyclical that argued strongly for a new, responsible attitude to environmental protection that a retired parish priest called for the badly eroded Croagh Patrick to be declared off-limits for many activities until a proper conservation plan is implemented.

The annual pilgrimage to Croagh Patrick, known as "Reek Sunday", gets underway today.

Some 25,000 people are set to flock to Mayo this weekend for the “Reek Sunday” climb up Croagh Patrick.

PRIESTS and bishops share the public’s anger and distress at the Church’s mishandling of clerical child sex abuse, it has been claimed.

The Archbishop of Tuam has said priests and bishops share the public's anger and distress at the Church's mishandling of clerical child sex abuse.

The annual Reek Sunday pilgrimmage is taking place at Croagh Patrick today.

AT least six children were treated for hypothermia during the annual pilgrimage to Croagh Patrick yesterday.

At least six children were treated for hypothermia today during the annual pilgrimage to Croagh Patrick.

The annual pilgrimage to the top of Croagh Patrick is underway.

Mayo Mountain Rescue has warned those taking part in tomorrow's Croagh Patrick pilgrimage to be prepared for treacherous conditions.

Today is Reek Sunday and pilgrims are being urged to take adequate precautions before scaling Croagh Patrick this morning.