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.