Irish mountaineer evacuated from Everest

An Irish mountaineer has been evacuated from Mount Everest after suffering from sleep deprivation and exhaustion.

Mr John Joyce (43) from Tuam, Co Galway, was removed from the Wyeth team base camp to a medical post lower in Nepal's Khumbu valley. He is expected to be flown to Kathmandu tomorrow and will return to Ireland as soon as possible.

Mr Joyce is a member of the three-strong Irish Wyeth team, which is attempting to climb the 29,035-foot-high mountain.  This was Mr Joyce's first attempt to climb Everest.

Cork doctor Ms Clare O'Leary (32) is attempting to become the first Irish woman to make it to top and will continue her attempt with the aid of expedition leader Mr Pat Falvey.

The remaining team members are expected to establish a second and third camp on their climb before reaching a final camp at 26,000 feet/ 7,925 metres from which a bid will be made to reach the summit.