Cork doctor hopes to conquer Everest

A doctor from Co Cork is hoping to become the first Irish woman ever to reach the summit of Mount Everest.

Dr Clare O'Leary from Bandon, and two of her mountaineering colleagues, will leave Ireland today to climb the world's highest peak.

The expedition, sponsored by pharmaceutical company Wyeth, comes after a similar adventure last year, which saw an Irish team reach the summit of Everest.