Just what the doctor ordered for Everest hero
Clare O’Leary, a 32-year-old doctor from Bandon, Co Cork, reached the summit of the world’s highest mountain two weeks ago on her second attempt.
“It’s a huge sense of excitement and honour and pride,” she said upon her arrival home at Cork Airport on Saturday.
“It was brilliant to sit there and hold the Irish flag. It was definitely the best 20 minutes of my life.”
The expedition leader Pat Falvey said he had cried with emotion when she reached the top.
“There were times when she wanted to give up. But we knew she had it in her,” he said.
Schoolchildren waved posters and the St Patrick’s pipe band from Bandon escorted the climbers through the airport.
On a previous expedition last year she had to turn back from the summit of Mount Everest because of altitude sickness.
The Irish Wyeth Everest 2004 expedition arrived in Nepal in March to prepare for the ascent.
They made their way to base camp at 17,500 feet up the mountain with 70 yaks, 70 porters, 15 trekkers and five Sherpa guides.
Pat and Clare made the successful ascent on May 18, just before a severe storm that claimed the lives of three climbers.
Ms O’Leary, who had the Irish flag wrapped around her shoulders, held up Freddie, the team’s teddy bear mascot to the crowd at Cork Airport.
Ciara Hanlon, an eight-year-old pupil of Cloghroe National School near Blarney, said her class had followed the story every day on the expedition’s website. “Clare was disappointed the last time, but she must be very happy this time,” she said.
Lord Mayor of Cork Councillor Colm Burke said the ascent was an inspiration for the children.
“I think Clare has shown wonderful leadership and courage. It’s people like her who help to encourage young people to strive to achieve a goal,” he said.
The Everest team was also honoured at a civic reception in Bandon.
Pat Falvey said Ms O’Leary’s climb was also an inspiration for anyone who wanted to achieve a goal in life. “Everyone has an Everest, it is all about persistence,” he said.
Last Thursday a second Irish woman, Samantha O’Carroll, also from Cork, reached the summit of Mount Everest.
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