Mayo Fine Gael TD and the party’s spokesperson on sport, John O’Mahony, has paid tribute to the three men who broke the world record for consecutive climbs of Croagh Patrick.
Last week three members of the Rosway Walkers Club from Roscommon and Galway climbed the mountain nine times in less than 22 hours and in the process broke the existing record of eight climbs in 24 hours. “It was a superb achievement by the three climbers and what made it even more special was their decision to raise money for the Western Alzheimer’s Association in conjunction with the climb. It was an extremely generous gesture and one that I know will be deeply appreciated by all involved with the Western Alzheimer’s Association,” he said.
Deputy O’Mahony said the challenge also emphasised the huge growth in the numbers of people participating in walking and climbing. “It’s a real growth area and I believe more and more people will be attracted to walking and climbing as more routes become accessible. It demonstrates how the sporting dynamic has evolved from the time where it was all about team sports. That has all changed now and it has opened up avenues of participation for so many people,” he said.
