Irish women set sights on Everest challenge

A WEXFORD native and a Corkonian embark this month on separate attempts to become the first Irish woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest.

Marketing manager Bridget Rossiter-O’Flynn, from New Ross, Co Wexford, begins chasing her lifelong ambition today when her flight touches down in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal.

Later this month, Cork-born Clare O'Leary, a doctor based in Dublin's Beaumont Hospital, will fly out to begin her attempt. Ms Rossiter-O'Flynn raised €30,000 to finance the 29,000-foot climb, with the help of main sponsor Newbridge Silverware.