Thousands make Croagh Patrick pilgrimage

THIRTY thousand pilgrims, some in bare feet, took to the slopes of Ireland’s holy mountain Croagh Patrick yesterday.

The county jerseys worn by many of the climbers reflected their diverse origins - Galway, Mayo, Roscommon, Dublin, Tyrone, Laois and Kerry.

The tradition of climbing the Co Mayo peak on the last Sunday of July dates back to 441AD when St Patrick fasted on the summit for 40 days and 40 nights.