MOUNTAIN CLIMBING specialist Ian McKeever has completed 35 climbs of Croagh Patrick in seven days to raise funds for the Irish Autism Association.
The broadcaster and former holder of the record for completing the six highest peaks on the world’s six continents climbed the Co Mayo mountain five times daily over the past seven days to create a new record.
He was participating in the Croagh Patrick Seven-day Challenge, organised by the Mayo branch of the Irish Autism Association. His mammoth task came to an end just after 5pm yesterday. Bookmaker Paddy Power had agreed to donate €3,000 if he completed the 35 climbs.
Mr McKeever said: “I am thrilled to achieve something that has never been done before. It was an extremely difficult task but I got there in the end thanks to the help and encouragement of so many people.”