Meath man becomes Ireland's oldest person to summit highest peaks on seven continents

On December 14, cancer survivor Derek Mahon became the oldest Irish person to summit the highest peaks on seven continents when he reached the peak of Mount Vinson in Antarctica.

Hacking ice blocks from the frozen ground while battling the terrifying creep of frostbite in a raging snow storm on the only continent on earth so inhabitable no life can thrive inland, Derek Mahon faced down another exceptional challenge.

Days later, the Meath man, who previously survived cancer, became the oldest Irish person to summit the highest peaks on seven continents on December 14 when he reached the peak of Mount Vinson in Antarctica.