Two Irish climbers reach Everest summit

Two Irish climbers have successfully reached the summit of Mount Everest, the world's highest mountain.

Mick Murphy and Gerard McDonnell scaled the mountain as part of an expedition to mark the 50th anniversary of Edmund Hillary's first trek to the peak.

A jubilant John Joyce, the team liaison manager for the expedition, confirmed today that the pair had reached the summit, but the climb was not without its drama.

At the south summit, Hanna Shields became exhausted, was unable to continue and is now recuperating at Camp 5.

Team leader Pat Falvey also encountered problems and decided to make his way back to base camp.

A vigil was kept throughout the night for the remaining climbers and jubilant scenes were reported when news of their success came through. Celebrations are now well underway.