Four explorers are expected to make history this week when they become the first Irish expedition to make it to the South Pole.
The team - three men and one woman, led by veteran adventurer and Cork man Pat Falvey (50) - have been journeying since November through some of the harshest conditions known to man.
Two of the squad - Shaun Menzies (42), and Jonathon Bradshaw (36) - are relatively inexperienced high-altitude trekkers who were invited to join the expedition and be part of the trip-of-a-lifetime.
The final member is leading female adventurer Dr Clare O'Leary (35) , who, if all goes to plan on Tuesday, will become the first Irish woman ever to make it to the South Pole.
Team leader Mr Falvey said: "I have never experienced the raw elements that this expedition has thrown at me. I have climbed extensively around the world, including Everest twice, and completed the first Irish unsupported traverse of Greenland in August and cannot attempt to explain the environment down here.
"It's the toughest thing I've ever done."
In 2004 Co Kerry man Mike Barry became the first Irish man to trek to the South Pole as part of an international expedition.
But Mr Falvey's squad is set to become the first all-Irish team to perform the feat.
The four adventurers have retraced the steps of some of the best-known Irish Antarctic explorers, including Ernest Shackleton and Tom Crean.
The squad, who make up the Beyond Endurance expedition, have travelled around 1100km (680 miles) since they set out on their trek on November 8, with each member hauling a sledge weighing in excess of 150 kg (330lb).
They have endured icy winds, constant sub-zero temperatures and biting snowstorms.
On their website, which is tracking their progress and posting updates, they list as one of their main goals experiencing the adventure that is Antarctica.
Mr Falvey is a world-renowned explorer, author, photographer, film producer and motivational trainer/speaker.
He has successfully led 59 high-adventure expeditions worldwide and is the only person to have completed the Seven Summits challenge twice, including Mt Everest from both its traditional routes on the North and South sides.
His expeditions have led him to the highest, coldest and most remote regions on the planet.
Deputy team leader Dr O'Leary, also from Co Cork, is one of the world's leading female adventurers and high altitude climbers.
She is the first Irish female to climb Mt Everest and also the first Irish female to complete the Seven Summits.
The Beyond Endurance Expedition kicked off in 2006 with an ambitious adventure with a group of "ordinary" people aged from 21 to 61 travelling across South Georgia, landing on Elephant Island, a mountainous ice-covered island off the Antarctic coast.
The purpose was to give budding explorers the chance to see Antarctica.
Mr Falvey said his team was "absolutely thrilled" about the prospect of making history.
"The last week has raised our spirits enormously as we close in on our target, although very exhausted," he said.
"The rest of the team are very excited about reaching the Pole, and a decent meal. We heard there was a good chef in the research centre there. To have the first Irish team and female to complete this route, although supported, is a great achievement."
PA