Weather no obstacle to Croagh Patrick pilgrims

EVEN before dawn broke yesterday morning, a few intrepid souls had discarded their shoes, put on their waterproof clothes and started to climb the rugged slopes of Croagh Patrick.

Encased in fog, the craggy summit was hidden from view, but many knew every twist and turn of the path, having climbed the ancient pathway for many years.

More than 20,000 people were estimated last night to have braved the elements and the gruelling climb for the centuries old national pilgrimage, traditionally completed in bare feet.