Frank’s quest to climb Carrauntoohil

A West Clare teenager is appealing for another 10 volunteers to help him achieve his dream of climbing the highest mountain in Ireland.

Frank O’Dea from Cree, who is 12-years-old, has long dreamt of climbing Carrauntoohil. Frank, who is on the autistic spectrum, is fascinated with the world’s highest mountain, Mount Everest and the world’s lowest place, the Mariana Trough.

He loves measuring, remembers exact distances, is often found with his nose in an atlas and loves geography lessons at school.  Since last year, he can’t stop talking about going up Carrauntoohil and it became harder and harder to ignore his wish.

Ian Taylor, who was the youngest Irishman to climb Mount Everest, became aware of Frank’s dream through the Sunday market at Lahinch Seaworld. They met up in the Burren and climbed Mullaghmore together.  After this experience, Ian is positive he can bring Frank up Carrauntoohil on October 13 and is anxious to make his dream come true.

Frank, who is in fifth class in Mol an Óige, Ennistymon, is looking for 20 people to accompany him and help raise money for West Clare Voices for Autism Group and his school, where the money would be used: for extra services for children with special needs. Already, 10 people have signed up for the climb and he just needs another 10 to commit to make the climb become a reality.

Frank was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at the age of five by Professor Michael Fitzgerald in Dublin and subsequently by the Clare Early Intervention Service (CEIS).

His mother, Bridget, is delighted with his interest in climbing and hopes, if everything goes according to plan with the Carrauntoohil climb, they might look at scaling the heights of the highest mountain in Wales next year. “Climbing mountains is a good, healthy sport and it is something Frank really enjoys. If he continues to show this interest, it is something we may try to develop further,” she said.

Anyone who is interested in helping to make this dream come true and would like to join the team to climb Carrauntoohil with Frank, can contact Bridget on 086 7262524 or email clonwhyte@gmail.com.