Social climber seeks friends in high places

WHILE the rest of Ireland is tucking into turkey and ham, Westport man Matt Loughrey will be climbing Croagh Patrick for a staggering 204th consecutive day.

The 32-year-old father -of-two is attempting to climb the holy mountain in Mayo every day for a year in aid of the Society of St Vincent de Paul. Yesterday’s climb was number 198 and he plans to go all the way to 365.

The inspiration for the challenge came from seeing people struggling in the current economic climate and wanting to do something to help out.

“The inspiration really came from just looking around me when the recession hit and seeing friends and neighbours in trouble. At the outset, I didn’t know much about St Vincent de Paul but they are a worldwide organisation which really do great work helping people who are struggling,” says Matt.

The Westport man said he wasn’t particularly fit before the challenge but 198 consecutive climbs has certainly improved his condition.

“I wouldn’t say I was particularly fit but I always find it easy to use energy and I’m very strong-minded. That got me over the first 12 to 14 days which were incredibly taxing on the body.

“As time went on I got fitter and quicker. I suppose I hit my peak back in early October. We had a nice spell of weather and my best time was one hour and 24 minutes. Now, I’m doing it in about two hours and 10 minutes in the colder weather.”

While many of Matt’s climbs are on his own, he is looking forward to a bit of company on Christmas Day. “It will be my 204th climb so hopefully I’ll get a good crowd with me.”

* www.croaghpatrick 365.com