MORE than 10,000 pilgrims, some in bare feet, have climbed Croagh Patrick for ‘Reek Sunday’.
On the last Sunday in July, pilgrims climb the Co Mayo peak, a yearly tradition ongoing for about 1,500 years.
The pilgrimage is held in honour of St Patrick who, according to tradition, spent 40 days fasting on the mountain in the year 441.
Emergency services earlier appealed for those taking part in the climb to stay safe. Volunteers from all 12 mountain rescue teams in Ireland were on duty at regular points up the slope as part of a safety and emergency plan which was coordinated by members of the Mayo Mountain Rescue team.
Eamon Berry of Westport Order of Malta reported about eight injuries up to midday with one middle aged man, who suffered a suspected heart attack, being transferred by helicopter to Mayo University Hospital in Castlebar for emergency treatment.
It was also confirmed that despite the near perfect weather conditions, the numbers taking part in the annual pilgrimage were down on previous years with estimates suggesting there was no more than half the predicted 20,000 pilgrims.
Early risers for the arduous walk included the Papal Nuncio, Dr Charles Brown, the Archbishop of Tuam, Dr Michael Neary and the Bishop elect of Killaloe, Fr Fintan Monahan who celebrated 10am Mass in Irish in the mountaintop oratory. The tiny church at the top of the mountain only opens for Mass on this day of the year.
The Order of Malta, who had 120 volunteers providing support to pilgrims on the day had earlier advised those taking on the climb, to do so in the proper footwear and with full equipment and supplies.
They were assisted on the day by volunteers from Mountain Rescue Ireland as well as Civil Defence teams, the Irish Air Corps, An Garda Siochana, Mayo County Council, the Murrisk Development Association and Church Authorities.
Last year, all events were cancelled due to extreme weather conditions, but hundreds of people ignored the warnings and climbed anyway, leading to 10 people needing treatment for hypothermia.
