Croagh Patrick must be protected for future generations
Harry Hughes talks about the Croagh Patrick landscape at the Kelly Family Reunion held in the Castlecourt Hotel, Westport. 15.5.2015
The Croagh Patrick Ambassador Programme
Over 120,000 people climb Croagh Patrick annually. However, the mountain currently does not have any statutory or legal conservation protection or status. The increase in visitor numbers has resulted in many negative impacts on the mountain, the most visible of which is the path erosion on privately-owned land.
Through identifying the issues with local stakeholders, Volunteer Ambassadors will be recruited to engage with visitors to Croagh Patrick. Leave No Trace Ireland will deliver the Ambassador Training Programme to the selected Ambassadors, working with Mayo County Council to ensure that visitors to Crough Patrick appreciate the importance of preserving the mountain’s distinct natural, cultural and religious heritage through sustainable use. This training programme will also provide guidance on the most effective means for volunteers to engage with visitors to the mountain, whether local or visiting on how to engage in responsible stewardship of Croagh Patrick.
St. Patrick's Oratory on Mayo's Holy Mountain Receives New Doors Ahead of Pilgrimage
St. Patrick's Oratory, located at the summit of Croagh Patrick, now boasts new doors ahead of the upcoming pilgrimage.
Fr. John Kenny, Adm., Westport, shared the update on social media over the weekend, expressing his gratitude to everyone involved in the project on the exposed summit. The new doors were installed just in time for next weekend's Garland Friday and Reek Sunday pilgrimages.
Fr. Kenny extended special thanks to John Cummins, the Guardian of the Reek, for organizing the logistics from Murrisk, and to the five volunteers who contributed to the work: Anthony Corrigan, Brendan Conway, Michael Needham, John J. McDonnell, and Damien Cummins. He also acknowledged Raymond McHugh of Drumcree Joinery Ltd. and Chris Shield of Executive Helicopters for their roles in the project.
“It’s a massive achievement, considering the long period of very unfavourable weather that made it so difficult to carry out this vital work at the Oratory," said Fr. Kenny. "We are greatly indebted to all those who persevered in completing the task in time for the annual Reek Sunday Pilgrimage this July 28th on Ireland's holy mountain.
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Westport Parish, South Mall, Westport F28 TN28, Ireland.
Archdiocese of Tuam
Saint Mary's Catholic Church is the Parish church of Westport (Aughaval) Parish in County Mayo.