Irish team forced to abandon Everest bid

The Irish Seven Summits team has had to abandon its latest assault on the world’s highest mountain following the decision by Sherpas to withdraw their services following a spate of recent deaths.

In a statement, founder of Irish Seven Summits, Paul Devaney, said it was “with a heavy heart and a great deal of disappointment” that the expedition was scrapped last Friday with the members airlifted from Everest Base Camp.

It was just one of a number of expeditions cancelled following the unprecedented decision by Sherpa guides to withdraw their services, effectively shutting off Everest to climbers.