Irish climber withdraws from Everest expedition

A member of an Irish mountaineering team attempting to climb Mount Everest has withdrawn from the expedition.

John Joyce, from Tuam in Co Galway, decided to pull out of the effort as he was suffering from exhaustion, sleep deprivation and the effects of high altitude.

His colleagues, Pat Falvey and Clare O’Leary, are continuing with the expedition.

The team left Ireland last month and arrived at the base of Everest two weeks ago.