Country's biggest mountain rescue operation kicks in for Reek Sunday

THE biggest coordinated mountain rescue operation in Ireland takes place next weekend, for the traditional Reek Sunday pilgrimage.

Mayo Mountain Rescue Team (MMRT) will organise and coordinate the rescue and emergency care services for the approximately 25,000 pilgrims who will climb Croagh Patrick over the weekend.

Many thousands will climb over the course of the weekend regardless of weather and since MMRT began the task in 1997, there has been an average of 20,000 people climbing in a 24-hour period.

This is the biggest coordinated mountain rescue operation in Ireland each year and the MMRT sub-committee has been working closely with a large body of local and national agencies to ensure the smooth running of the rescue services. Those organisations include: Order of Malta – all local divisions, Mountain Rescue Ireland – all 11 teams, Irish Cave Rescue Organisation, Mayo County Council, Irish Air Corps, An Garda Síochána, Garda Cósta na hÉireann (Irish Coast Guard), Westport Hillwalkers Club, Westport Church authorities, Murrisk Development Association and local land owners.

An average 140 mountain rescue personnel from teams across Ireland and the UK come to assist in the operation. Though it is the busiest weekend operationally for the Mayo team, separately there were over 40 call-outs in Mayo in 2017 with an additional 15 call-outs on Reek weekend last year.

The team advise that all climbers make safety a priority. They recommend the use of proper walking boots, waterproof clothing, food and water and to be mindful of fitness levels and the ability of young children.

The weather is very changeable and temperatures can vary by as much as seven degrees between sea level and the summit.

Safe climbing to everyone who is going to make the journey to Croagh Patrick this year.