Reek pilgrims ignore gardaí warnings

However, several hundred people, including families with young children, ignored the warnings and attempted to set out from the base at Murrisk this morning.

The annual pilgrimage was cancelled this morning due to “treacherous conditions”.

Part of the temporary structure erected for Masses on the top of the mountain was blown away as was Mayo Mountain Rescue’s medical tent.

Some climbers who ignored the warnings were forced to turning back on reaching the ridge – roughly halfway up the mountain, due to strong winds and poor visibility.

However, that hasn’t stopped a significant number of walkers, with some still opting to complete the pilgrimage in their bare feet.

Pilgrims have climbed Croagh Patrick – Ireland’s holy mountain – for about 1,000 years following in the footsteps of St Patrick who, according to the church, in 441, spent 40 days and nights fasting on the summit.

Sergeant Denis Harrington from Westport Garda Station urged people not to attempt the climb today.

As many as 20,000 people were expected to climb the 764-metre high mountain today.

However, Met Éireann is forecasting heavy rain with isolated thunderstorms and gardaí say due to these treacherous conditions, they will have to cancel the event.

Galway Bay fm newsroom – The Archbishop of Tuam Michael Neary says in today’s society we may be tempted to edit God out of the market place and think that by confining God society will remain unchanged.

Dr Neary expressed his disappointment that “Reek Sunday” was not going ahead.

Every year, thousands of people climb the mountain in pilgrimage, some even barefooted.