HEAVY SHOWERS AND gusty winds are hampering pilgrims’ efforts to climb Croagh Patrick today, with Mayo Mountain Rescue assisting at least fifteen people so far.

Children as young as 10-years-old, and adults in their 70s have required assistance as thousands attempt to make the climb this Reek Sunday.

The first call out this morning came just before 9am, when a 46-year-old man sustained “serious body injuries, a dislocated shoulder and facial injuries”. He was evacuated by the Air Corps and transported to Mayo University Hospital.

Around the same time, a 70-year-old suffered a heart attack, but was resuscitated and airlifted to Galway University Hospital.

Other casualties include a 68-year-old man with a broken left wrist, and a 14-year-old who sustained a knee injury.

One of the most recent incidents has seen a 70-year-old evacuated with the assistance from the Order of Malta after he suffered a head injury.

https://www.facebook.com/mayomountainrescue/posts/1804918869535577

A total of 12 different organisations including the Irish Coast Guard and the Irish Air Corps are providing rescue services.

The pilgrimage is traditionally held on the last Sunday of each July and has in the past seen people treated for hypothermia during the 764 metre climb.

Some of the pilgrims even undertake the climb barefoot but even those who do are advised to take walking boots should they need them.