Twenty thousand to make Croagh Patrick pilgrimage

More than 20,000 people are expected to make the annual pilgrimage to Croagh Patrick today.

Climbers have been warned to take care on the traditional Reek Sunday trek up the 765-metre high mountain in Co Mayo.

The pilgrimage will be led by the Archbishop of Tuam, Most Rev Dr Michael Neary, who started the climb at 7am with Primate of All Ireland Cardinal Sean Brady.

The Archbishop will celebrate mass at the summit at 10.30am.

The theme of this year’s pilgrimage is hope.

“We have chosen hope as the theme of our pilgrimage this year,” said Archbishop Neary.

“Our faith tells us that hope and light in this time of fear and uncertainty are possible because Jesus is always with us in our times of need.”

The national pilgrimage is associated with St Patrick who, in 441, spent 40 days and nights fasting on the summit, following the example of Christ and Moses.

It has been carried out uninterrupted for over 1,500 years.

Last year more than 20,000 pilgrims climbed Croagh Patrick, with Mass televised live from the summit for the first time.

Dick Harnedy, of Mayo Mountain Rescue Team, said the pilgrimage was a fantastic sight to watch.

All those who intend to climb are asked to come prepared for the current cool weather conditions, bring suitable warm and waterproof clothing, good footwear, a walking stick and water.

Met Eireann warned there will be a mixture of sunshine and scattered heavy blustery showers, with temperatures rising to 19 degrees.

Mr Harnedy called on climbers to be courteous.

“There will be a lot of people climbing and some people have been known to rush and push,” he said.

“We are asking people to be patient and courteous.

“Some families also have a tendency to carry small children on their shoulders and we don’t encourage this.

“In previous years we have had to treat children who have got very cold on someone shoulders.

“And if the person trips or falls it is the child that get hurts.”

Mass will be celebrated every half hour on the summit until 2pm.