Dr Clare O'Leary (33), the first Irish woman to climb Mount Everest, is due to fly into Cork Airport this morning to a hero's welcome.
Dr O'Leary will be accompanied by her fellow expedition members, including leader Mr Pat Falvey who has become the first Irishman to climb the 29,035 feet (8,848 metres) peak from both Nepal and Tibet. Both he and Dr O'Leary are among seven Irish people who have now climbed the world's highest mountain - the first being Belfast architect Dawson Stelfox in 1993.
Just over a week after the Bandon gastroenterologist's achievement, a second Irish woman - also from Cork - has also reached Everest's summit.
Ms Samantha O'Carroll, daughter of leading barrister Blaise O'Carroll and his wife, Dolores, made the successful ascent on Wednesday as one of a group of clients with the mountain guide company, Adventure Consultants of New Zealand.
Ms O'Carroll began training seriously for Everest two years ago, with one of her trips - to the Himalayan Island peak - being with Mr Falvey and Dr O'Leary.
Dr O'Leary intends to continue climbing and to set a record for the first Irish woman to climb the world's seven summits - or highest mountains on each continent.
Both she and Ms O'Carroll are among some 80 women who have climbed Everest.
