Croagh Patrick’s papal approval

The age-old national pilgrimage to Croagh Patrick got Vatican approval yesterday when Papal Nuncio, Archbishop Charles J Brown completed the climb and afterwards declared himself delighted by the experience.

The 52-year-old Archbishop was accompanied by Archbishop of Tuam Michael Neary, and a number of priests from the archdiocese including two newly-ordained clerics, Fr Shane O’Sullivan and Fr Eugene O’Boyle.

The Papal Nuncio celebrated Mass in the mountaintop oratory at 9.30am and Archbishop Neary did likewise an hour later.