Pádraig O’Hora and Irish climbing team summit Mount Everest

(How lovely to celebrate Mayo in this way! – Ed)

RTÉ Link – Updated / Wednesday, 20 May 2026 09:31

Team Ireland, including former Mayo footballer Pádraig O’Hora, reached the summit of Everest in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

The three-man team, with Éanna McGowan from Dublin and Adam Sweeney from Waterford, completed their climb to the top of the world’s highest mountain after a 47-day expedition in Nepal.

Writing on Instagram, team leader Jason Black, who had to abandon his journey due to an ankle injury, shared the news.

“History has been made on the slopes of Mount Everest this morning,” the Donegal man wrote.

“After 47 days Team Ireland has successfully reached the highest point on Earth.

“This journey was about far more than standing on a summit. It was about resilience, teamwork, belief and carrying the hopes of many people all the way to the top of the world.

“This success belongs to the climbers, their families, our incredible Sherpa team, and everyone who followed and supported this journey.

“More importantly to the children of this world, this expedition has shown that if you dream big, believe in yourself, and never be afraid to chase what is in your heart, you can achieve anything.

“At a time when our world feels broken by war and hatred, today reminds us that there is still unity, hope, and peace.”

“What a day to be Irish! We hope we have done Ireland proud.”

O’Hora, who played for seven years with the Mayo team, was climbing in aid of Mayo Mental Health Services.

Sweeney, aged 22, becomes the youngest Irish man to reach the summit.

The group successfully reached the summit with their sherpas, Pemba, Milan and Sona, after a difficult few days on the mountain.

They had been forced to abandon their first attempt at summiting the world’s highest peak on Tuesday, around 400 metres from the top.

However, the team recuperated and opted to make a second summit push.

The climb also marks a major milestone for Irish mountaineering, with the trio becoming the first Irish team to reach the summit of the mountain since the Ireland-on-Everest expedition in 2019.

Messages of congratulations and support have been pouring in for the team following confirmation of the successful summit.

The climbers are now making their way back down to Camp 4 following the climb.

Additional reporting: Marc O’Driscoll

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