SAINT PATRICK may have spent 40 days and 40 nights fasting on Croagh Patrick in AD441 but today a young man is set to climb Co Mayo’s iconic holy mountain for the 365th consecutive day.
With weather conditions forecast to be ideal, Matt Loughrey (32) will set off at noon in the company of supporters from all over Ireland, the UK and the US on his final climb in his unique bid to raise money for the St Vincent de Paul.
He confirmed yesterday that he has already raised €30,000 and hopes the completion of his year-long challenge may spur people to contribute more money.
Speaking after his penultimate climb yesterday afternoon, Mr Loughrey said the entire challenge – the idea for which was born after an evening in Campbell’s pub at the foot of the reek – had been a life-changing experience. And that is not just because he is a lot fitter and leaner.
“You know this place has a magnetic draw. Some people come here for spiritual and religious reasons, others are just attracted by the spectacular scenery, and then more climb the mountain for the physical challenge. For me all these reasons are good ones,” Mr Loughrey said.
“I have gone up in hail, rain, snow and sweltering sun. I am so fortunate to have seen this mountain, with such a rich history, in all these natural guises. I have watched people leaving the car park at the base and they transform as the make the ascent. They leave everything behind them.”
Mr Loughrey observed it was poignant to climb almost alone on the penultimate day, with Clew Bay bathed in sunshine and the panorama from Achill to Clare Island so clear.
His interest in Croagh Patrick began some years ago when he worked as a tour guide. He became fascinated by its rich spiritual heritage that reaches back over the millennia to the seasonal religious rituals of our Celtic and Christian forebears.
Ironically, when he arrived at the 764m peak yesterday afternoon the longtime “Guardian of the Reek”, Johnny Commins was painting the tiny oratory, built by local men over a century ago.
This afternoon Fr John Kenny will say a special Mass at the summit at 1.30pm to mark the completion of the challenge. It is a moot question whether Saint Patrick would approve of the fact that a new penitential record has been set. Particularly since festivities of a more human kind will be held afterwards at Campbell’s pub.
Further information: www.facebook.com/croaghpatrick365