Joss Lynam

Lynam and his older sister Biddy were both raised in London, where his father worked as curator of maps in the British Museum.

He was involved in the creation and administration of the Federation of Mountaineering Clubs of Ireland (now Mountaineering Ireland), the Association for Adventure Sports, Bord Oiliúint Sléibhte (Irish Mountain Training Board), Tiglin (National Outdoor Training Centre [now defunct]), Outdoor Education Ireland, and Cospóir (now the Irish Sports Council) and the National Waymarked Ways Advisory Committee ( part of the Irish Sports Council).

Nora died in Bray on 6 November 2019, and was buried in the family plot at Shanganagh Cemetery alongside Joss and son Nicholas (Nick).

[2] He was involved in the Irish Sports Council for 10 years, giving suggestions for outdoor activities being managed by Vocational Education Committees in Ireland.

[2] In 1991, Lynam and British climber Mike Banks were joint leaders in a veteran mountaineering trip to Jaonli peak in India, where an earthquake struck nearby within the proximity of only 15 km.

In 1993, Lynam aided the foundation to the successful first Irish ascent of Everest from his previous leadership of the 1987 expedition to Changtse.

Lynam led his sixth expedition in 1987 to the Himalayan Peak, Changtse at 7,500m at 67 years old, while also recovering from a coronary by-pass.

[10] In 2001, Lynam was awarded an honorary degree from Trinity College Dublin in acknowledgment of his volunteer work and remarkable achievements.

[12][2] As a result of a short illness, which was being treated at St. Vincent's University Hospital Dublin, Lynam died on 9 January 2011, aged 86.

[13][14] Lynam was a highly respected figure for his achievements and contributions he made to the mountaineering community in Ireland and after his death, many paid public tributes to him.

Among them was Éamon Ó Cuív, who was the former Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, named Lynam the ‘Laoch ar lár’ which translates to ‘fallen hero’.

These papers cover a vast range of topics such as his life and career, family, childhood, experience of war, his involvement with different mountaineering clubs, and his many writings.

[10][2] Lynam's involvement continued throughout various committees and organisations, as well as clubs, where he participated in Cospóir, the national Sports council (1974–1984).

[2] In 1990s, Lynam shared his experience internationally in his role as president of the Union Internationale des Associations d’Alpinisme's (UIAA) expeditions commission.

[2][16] Within this role he allowed for countries such as Pakistan, India, and Nepal in mountaineering “space” after years of being overlooked [17] and also represented Ireland in a special council meeting within the union.

[10] Lynam's influence both locally and nationally are seen throughout his short books and guides which introduced many to the hills and trails of Ireland, such as Irish Peaks (1982), and Leisure Walks Near Dublin (2004).