Mayo emergency services members to climb Reek in memory of colleague

Emergency and voluntary service members from across Mayo and beyond will unite to climb Croagh Patrick on Saturday, June 7, in a heartfelt tribute to their late colleague and friend, Martin Gilligan.

The event will raise funds for the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation, who provide palliative care services to people with life limiting illnesses and their families in County Mayo and County Roscommon.

Martin, also known as “Gilly”, dedicated over 35 years of service to the Claremorris Fire Brigade, devoting his life to helping others.

This will be the first time such a visual show of unity among emergency services has taken place on Croagh Patrick.

As part of this unique tribute, approximately 100 representatives from the fire service, gardaí, Coast Guard, air corps, search and rescue, Croagh Patrick Ambassadors, paramedics, consultants and nurses from the emergency department in Castlebar, as well as other emergency and voluntary organisations, will climb Croagh Patrick in full uniform, starting at 1 p.m.

This symbolic gesture - bringing together all service colours - will culminate in a powerful group photograph at the summit at approximately 3 p.m.

All emergency vehicles such as RNLI boat, helicopters, fire brigade, public order unit and garda car, will be parked at the base.

Members of the public are encouraged come out on the day to cheer on participants and to view the vehicles.

Organiser Lorraine Dolan said: “Martin was widely loved in Claremorris and beyond, and we’re honoured to climb in his memory while supporting a cause he would be proud of.

"All money raised will go towards the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation, which provides vital support to individuals and families across the region. We’re looking forward to a great day out on June 7th.”

Martina Jennings, CEO of Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation, said: “We are honoured to have been chosen as beneficiaries of this historic event on Croagh Patrick. To see emergency and voluntary services come together in such a visual and united way on Croagh Patrick is deeply moving and a fitting tribute to Martin Gilligan, who dedicated his life to serving others.

The funds raised will go directly towards providing essential palliative care services to patients and families in Mayo and Roscommon. We are so grateful to the organisers, participants, and wider community for their commitment to making a difference. I want to wish everyone the very best on the climb.”

Donations can be made here.