Irish adventurer conquers K2

A Co Limerick adventurer today became the first Irish man to reach the summit of the world’s second highest mountain – K2.

Gerard McDonnell, 34, from Askeaton, made it to the peak with a band of Dutch explorers at around 3pm Irish time.

The group have been on the mammoth expedition for the last eight weeks, battling sub-zero temperatures.

Friend and adventurer Pat Falvey, who led the first Irish expedition to the South Pole earlier this year, described Mr McDonnell as one of the best young climbers in the country.

“This is the second heighest mountain in the world and the most dangerous,” Mr Falvey said

“He’s actually one of the strongest and best upcoming young climbers in the country today.

“It’s one of the greatest achievements by an Irish climber.”

K2, on the Chinese/Pakistani border, is more than 28,000ft high.