Pádraig lands home after Everest heroics
Padraig O'Hora with his mother Breeda Doyle as he arrived home at Dublin Airport after successfully summiting Mount Everest. He was part of the first all-Irish team in more than 20 years to reach the world’s highest peak. Picture: Brian McEvoy
Ballina man Pádraig O’Hora received a hero’s welcome at Dublin Airport as he returned as part of a three-man team that reached the summit of Mount Everest last week.
Team Ireland, which included the former Mayo footballer, Eanna McGowan from Dublin and Adam Sweeney from Waterford completed their 47-day expedition to the top of the world’s highest mountain in Nepal at 1:33am Irish time last Wednesday morning.
The gruelling feat was a landmark moment for Irish mountaineering, with the team demonstrating extraordinary resilience throughout.
The climb featured severe weather conditions and a number of setbacks which included a fourth member of the crew, Jason Black from Donegal, suffering an ankle injury and returning to base camp where he coordinated his crewmates remaining journey.
“Homecoming of the Historic Irish Everest Mountaineering Team”. Pictured is Irish Everest expedition team members Jason Black , Éanna McGowan, Adam Sweeney and Padraig O Hora as they arrived home at Dublin Airport after successfully summiting Mount Everest,
Just 400 metres from the peak, frozen ropes forced Pádraig and the team to turn back before they launched their successful final ascent. However, they made a final push and were able to reach the summit.
Pádraig, who has become well known for his strong advocacy and promotion of mental health awareness, services and initiatives, took on the challenge to raise funds and awareness for Mayo Mental Health Services.
