Clare teen eyes up blindfolded climb of Ireland’s highest peak

A YOUNG Killaloe athlete is gearing up to complete a unique challenge by climbing Ireland’s highest mountain blindfolded.
Not content with going up and down Carrauntohil eight times in seven days last August, Yeshuah O’Brien-Bayer will do one climb without the benefit of his eyes on August 28.
It is believed he will be one of the first people and the youngest ever to attempt this task.
Standing at 1,039m, Carrauntoohil is the highest mountain in Ireland and is set among the beautiful Macgillycuddy Reeks in Co Kerry. If all goes to plan and the weather holds up, his journey up and down will be broadcast live on his Instagram account, @Theyobb.com2005.
He will be guided by his father, Hergen, and students of St Annes Community College who will carry items for him.
Last August, Yeshuah came up with the idea for his latest challenge on the outskirts of Killarney after he and his father had just completed their Irish Everest Challenge.
Yeshuah (15) will put on the blindfold in Cronin’s Yard at the bottom of the mountain.
In addition to listening to Hergen, who will be guiding him, others will walk ahead, picking the best route for him to ascend and there will be someone behind him in case he slips.
Having climbed Moylussa on the outskirts of Killaloe blindfolded two months ago, Yeshuah is fully aware of the challenge that is facing him.
“It is a lot different climbing a mountain blindfold. Where something might be two inches high, it may feel two feet high.
“When I climbed Moyluss blindfolded, something that was very small I was nearly placing my knee to my face as I had no idea of surroundings.
“It feels very strange and disorientating. We will be taking the easiest route.
“I am nervous of not being able to grab on to something if I fall or trip. I will be basing my climb on what every one else sees. It will be exciting.
Having climbed Carrauntoohil on twelve occasions, he is familiar with the terrain.
The group will travel to Carrauntoohil on the afternoon of August 27 to prepare, eat and go to bed early. They are fully insured for the climb.
Yeshuah is hoping to start the climb around 8.30am weather permitting.
He is not aware of anyone who has climbed Carrauntoohil previously blindfolded.
Two weeks ago, he climbed Carrauntoohill again, and took into account changes in the landscape.
He chose the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind because of his love of dogs. Even when he was a young child he remembers putting money into life size dog statutes in shopping centres for the charity.
“I have always had a connection with dogs.
“I would constantly put my money into these for the charity. Even when I would go on buses I would see dogs training. The amount of money and time that goes into training a dog for a blind person – it is something different to have a connection with.
“I have seen the benefits guide dogs provide children with special needs, The children who may experience meltdowns are extremely calm when they are with the dog in shops.”
He loves Pippin, the family dog, and doesn’t pass a dog without rubbing it.
While some people may feel this challenge is reckless, Hergen insists it is not.
“Yeshuah is my only child. I would never do anything to risk his life. It could take up to four hours to do the climb. I will be linking him or I will walk in front of him.
“It is all about communication. I have to see two things – his line of walking and my line of walking. He will sense the movement of my body
“When Yeshuah went up Moylussa blindfolded his hearing and other senses changed. I think being an athlete will be a big help. I will not let him down and he will not let himself down. If we have to go back, will we go back.
“There will be plenty of other weekends to complete it, if it doesn’t work out.
Next November, he will have spent four years training with Derg Ac. The Long Jump is his specialist event, and he is currently ranked second in the country based on all the results in the provinces.
Next Saturday, he will compete in the national Long Jump championship in Cork. Last year, the focus was on stamina, endurance and mental strength. This time it is about concentration, patience and communication. Yeshuah will learn to use his other senses when he doesn’t have his eyes.
“The final call will be made when we arrive depending on the weather. I am not going to risk anything.
“I am confident that he will do it. He is an exceptional young man. This is his idea.
He loves feeling the rush of the wind jumping into the Long Jump pit. He completes a lot of endurance sprint training to improve his run up before the jump, and jumping over hurdles to increase the height of his leap.
Normally, he trains three times a week.
His father acts as his coach.
He is delighted to be able to train on Derg Ac’s new athletics track in Clarisford, Killaloe.
All proceeds will go directly to the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, and no service charge will be applied to any donations.

Donations can be made to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/climbingblind

by Dan Danaher