Hundreds turn out for New Year's Day Croagh Patrick climb

HUNDREDS of people have turned out for the annual New Year's Day climb of Croagh Patrick.

The weather conditions were favourable for the event, apart from a stiff wind on the shoulder of the Reek.

Mass was celebrated in St. Patrick Chapel by Fr. Pat Farragher, Adm., Tuam, at 12 noon and drew a capacity attendance.

Fr. Farragher paid tribute to all those maintaining the January 1 tradition and extended a happy and healthy 2020 to all participants.

It is understood an announcement is imminent in respect of funding for further works on the new pilgrim's walkway on the mountain.

The project is designed to address ongoing erosion issues on Croagh Patrick and safeguard the mountain as a unique pilgrimage path into the future.