Mourners gather for K2 climber

Over 2,000 people paid their respects to Gerard McDonnell at a memorial mass this afternoon.

The Limerick man became the first ever Irish man to reach the summit of K2 in Pakistan on August 1.

The 37-year-old was killed in an avalanche just hours later, while descending the world's second highest mountain.

The President Mary McAleese and Taoiseach Brian Cowen were represented at the ceremony by their aides-de-comp.

Gerard's achievement in reaching the summit of K2 was represented by a wood carving given by members of his expedition team.

His brother JJ said he would be greatly missed.