Irish team set to reach South Pole

A four-strong team is expected to make history today as the first Irish expedition to reach the South Pole.

A four-strong team is expected to make history today as the first Irish expedition to reach the South Pole.

The team - leader Pat Falvey (50), Dr Clare O'Leary (35), Jonathan Bradshaw (36) and Shaun Menzies (42) - is expected to arrive late evening, Irish time.

Beyond Endurance of team leader Pat Falvey
Beyond Endurance of team leader Pat Falvey

They have been trekking since November through some of the harshest conditions known to man, battling icy winds, sub-zero temperatures and snowstorms.

The squad, who make up the Beyond Endurance expedition, have travelled around 1,100km, with each member hauling a sledge weighing over 150kg.

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"We are excited at the thought of our journey coming to an end," wrote Mr Falvey in his online diary. "It's amazing how all the harsh times we have had on this expedition are starting to fade into the recess of our minds as success is on the horizon."

Deputy team leader Dr Clare O'Leary is the first Irish female to climb Mount Everest and also the first Irish female to complete the Seven Summits Challenge.

If all goes to plan today, she will become the first-ever Irish female to make it to the South Pole.

Mr Menzies and Mr Bradshaw are relatively inexperienced high-altitude trekkers who were invited to join the expedition.