SIX WHITE doves were released into the sky in Co Limerick yesterday as a tribute to the "free spirit" of mountain climber Ger McDonnell, who died after his historic climb to the summit of the K2 mountain earlier this month.
The 37-year-old, the first Irish person to climb to the world's second highest mountain in the Himalayas, perished with 10 other climbers after an avalanche during their descent from the summit on August 2nd.
McDonnell, described yesterday as a "humble hero", had stopped to help three climbers who were in difficulty when he was hit by the icefall. More than 2,000 mourners converged on his native Co Limerick village of Kilcornan yesterday for a memorial Mass and celebration of his life.
Mourners were led yesterday by Gerard's widowed mother Gertie, brother JJ, sisters Martha, Stephanie and Denise, as well as his partner Annie Starkey.
The President and the Taoiseach were represented by their aides de camp while three members of the Norit Expedition Team, including injured Dutch climber Wilco Van Rooijen who led Gerard's team to K2, were also among the mourners.
In an emotional tribute to his brother, JJ McDonnell told the huge congregation that his family would find the future difficult to face without their beloved Gerard.
"He was an inspiration to us all and had a smile that lit up every room he entered.
"He had a passion for life that made all our lives brighter and fuller. Gerard saw the best in all situations and in all people," said JJ.
"There's only ever going to be one Gerard McDonnell. He's irreplaceable as a son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, partner and loyal friend. Gerard, you are our hero."
There was laughter when JJ recalled how his younger brother had once borrowed his bicycle to go for a "casual cycle" but ended up some 60 miles away in west Clare where he stopped for a pint and a sandwich in a pub in Doolin.
"I'd say the three men he met that day in the pub in Doolin are still sitting there with their mouths open," he joked.
During his homily, Fr Joe Noonan described Gerard as a "humble hero" who met his death while helping and caring for others.
"Ger could not explain his fascination with mountain climbing any other way except to say it was such a spiritual thing. He even referred to it as being an honour to die on a mountain," said Fr Noonan.
After the memorial Mass six white doves were released by members of Gerard's family and his girlfriend Annie as a tribute to what was described as his "free spirit".
Ciara Cleary, who was on the expedition team with Gerard that climbed Mount Everest in 2003, also spoke at yesterday's Mass along with mountaineer Pat Falvey.
"Gerard's strength and honour in spending over 3½ hours at 8,300m attempting to rescue three other climbers while well aware of the risks to his own life, make him stand out as a real hero," said Ms Cleary.
Wilco Van Rooijen, who led the expedition to K2, admitted yesterday that it was difficult to meet Gerard's family.
"For both sides it was difficult. His mother was, of course, nervous about it and we were also very nervous about it because we understand that it's very difficult to have no body, and this was for her one of the hardest things.
"Because as a mother you give birth to a child and if you don't get back anything you just have to believe the stories, and that's very difficult," he said.
The Dutch climber arrived yesterday in a wheelchair and is still recovering from frostbite on his feet. There was more applause when Cas Van de Gevel, also a member of the Norit Expedition team, placed a wooden carving on the altar representing Gerard's achievement in reaching the summit of K2.
Another team member, Marrten Van Eck, presented Gerard's grieving mother Gertie with a candle.
Musical tributes were played to Gerard McDonnell by Irish band Kila and friends.