YOU could say that it was 'pouring out of the heavens' yesterday, but this didn't stop hundreds of hardy pilgrims ignoring weather warnings to climb Croagh Patrick.
The annual Reek Sunday pilgrimage up the 2,500ft Co Mayo mountain attracts thousands of people each July, but because of the adverse weather yesterday's climb was officially cancelled. Yet this didn't stop hundreds of people - some barefoot - going ahead with their ascent.
Sergeant Denis Harrington from Westport Garda Station had advised people not to attempt the climb.
"The weather conditions are extremely treacherous. High winds and rain have caused a lot of damage to the medical tents and structures at the top of Croagh Patrick," he said.
"A decision was made by the officials to cancel the pilgrimage and we're strongly advising people not to attempt to climb the mountain due to health and safety concerns."
Heavy rain on Saturday night and yesterday morning left the ground extremely slippy and unstable in places, with zero visibility.
It was reported that some climbers had to be stretchered off the mountain suffering hypothermia. The ability of the Aer Corps and rescue teams to respond to people in difficulty was severely compromised as a result of the treacherous conditions.
Masses that were due to be celebrated by the Archbishop of Tuam, Dr Michael Neary, on Croagh Patrick from 8.30am yesterday were moved to the St Patrick's Church in Lecanvey instead.
Dr Neary said it was "disappointing" that the pilgrimage had to be cancelled.
"I'm not aware that it has ever been cancelled before and I have been climbing this mountain since I was a young lad many, many years ago," he said.
Pilgrims have climbed Croagh Patrick - dubbed 'Ireland's holy mountain' - for about 1,000 years as they follow in the footsteps of St Patrick, who is said to have spent 40 days and nights fasting on the summit in AD 441.
It is believed that this is the first time the event has ever been cancelled.
In Belfast, meanwhile, athletes braved the horrendous weather to compete in two separate events yesterday: the Titanic Triathlon and the Action on Hearing Loss Divis 10k run.
It is estimated that up to 200 people took part in the Divis run and 800 in the triathlon.
The wet weather is set to continue across Ireland today and tomorrow before clearing up on Wednesday.
