Charity climbers set sights on four peaks challenge

Charity hikers are set to raise over €500,000 for the homeless as they scale the island’s four highest mountains in one weekend.

Focus Ireland’s ’Four Peaks Challenge’ in June features climbs of Carrauntoohil in Co Kerry, Co Mayo’s Mweelrea, Slieve Donard in Co Down and Co Wicklow’s Lugnaquilla.

Begun in 2001, the event drew a record 64 teams last year and raised €483,000 in sponsorship.

Fianna Fáil TD Barry Andrews, who took part in the past, said: “It was great craic while also raising money for such a good cause.

“I hope even more teams than last year will take up this exciting challenge again this year.”

Focus Ireland fundraising director Mark Mellett said: “It is a fantastic challenge for people of all different abilities and levels of fitness.

“Teams can take the peaks at their own pace and really enjoy the event while raising money to support Focus Ireland’s work with people who are homeless.”

People wishing to take part can enter a team made up from their friends or company and raise €4,000 in sponsorship.

Teams should be a minimum of three and a maximum of five climbers plus at least two auxiliary team members for driving and support.

The challenge begins with the climb up Carrauntoohil in the afternoon of Friday, June 9.

On Saturday, teams will drive to Mweelrea in Co Mayo and complete this peak in late afternoon.

Drivers will then transfer teams to Slieve Donard in Co Down which will be climbed on Sunday morning.

The final peak, Lugnaquillia in Co Wicklow will be scaled later that day.