Reek Sunday
On the last Sunday in July, thousands of pilgrims climb Ireland's holiest mountain, Croagh Patrick (764 metres) in County Mayo.
Also involved is the Air Corps, Irish Cave Rescue Organisation (ICRO) the Order of Malta, Civil Defence Ireland and members of the Garda Síochána.
Injuries ranging from cuts and broken bones to hypothermia and cardiac arrest occur each year.
Archbishop Michael Neary of Tuam spoke on the mountain of the improving quality of life which Ireland was experiencing in the late 1990s.
[10] Michael Neary spoke of the fear created by banking and commerce as well as by the Church and state at a meeting with pilgrims in Westport prior to the 2002 climb.
The Mass on the summit, celebrated by Michael Neary, was broadcast live worldwide for the first time by RTÉ.
Prior to the climb, Mayo Mountain Rescue Team advised pilgrims to carry some sort of footwear but not flip-flops, sandals, stiletto heels or wellingtons; it was the first time they had issued such advice.
Pilgrims were also told to use a stick for walking, wear multiple layers of clothing and to scale the mountain at a slow pace.
Archbishop Michael Neary said before the 2009 climb that people were "searching desperately" for hope in the "menacing desert" of the recession.
A woman who suffered a head injury on the peak was treated by Mayo Mountain Rescue and a 67-year-old tourist who suffered suspected cardiac problems mid-descent was treated by Order of Malta Ambulance Rescue and First aid teams, before being winched into a helicopter by Irish Air Corps and transported to hospital.
Met Éireann issued a yellow weather alert for the day until 3 pm forecasting heavy rain.
Many are believed to have been forced to turn back and Mayo Mountain Rescue Team confirmed to TheJournal.ie[19] that ten people have been treated for hypothermia.
Good weather conditions kept casualties to a minimum, although one 46-year-old man had to be airlifted to hospital in Galway with chest pains.
Misty weather at the summit early in the day gave way to clear conditions as the afternoon progressed.
Dr Neary said there was something of a parable in the manner in which people approached the day, assisting others and ensuring that those in difficulty were given support on their journey.
[30] Slievecallan in County Clare was once visited on the last Sunday of July, known locally as Domhnach Crom Dubh.
Local legends say on this altar sacrifices were supposedly offered to Pagan Gods and that the practice was then Christianized.
This was a day of public celebration, with a cattle fair held by the hill and singing, dancing and games played at the summit followed by an evening meal.
The practice of baking a cake to be cut buy the best dancers in the celebration or by an engaged couple was a distinct characteristic of this event.
[32] Pilgrimages were made to numerous other locations at at this time of year, such as to the peaks of Mount Brandon, and Church Mountain and to a Holy Well in Ballyfa, County Galway[33]
