Tag Archives: Mount Everest

HOME some weeks and after having conquered Everest, John Burke has been honoured by Clare County Council, as the local authority awarded him a civic reception on Monday. He was accompanied by his wife, Aoibhín, friends and family members, as a presentation was made to the West Clare hotelier and county council members paid tribute to his achievement. Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Bill Chambers said, “I know John is a keen outdoor enthusiast and mountaineer so there was always an air of inevitability about him one day attempting to climb Mount Everest. The slopes of Mount Callan or the dunes at Spanish Point were never going to be enough to satisfy his thirst for adventure. “By becoming the first Clare person to stand on top of the world, John not only achieved something that very few have achieved but he also demonstrated a steely demonstration that will no doubt inspire others.” The cathaoirleach also lauded the foundation of Elevate, …

A NEW Clare hero arrived home this afternoon, as John Burke touched down at Shannon Airport, having scaled Mount Everest. As he emerged from the aircraft the 38-year-old hotelier was visibly thrilled to be home, and he was embraced by family on the tarmac. Later when he emerged from the arrivals area he was welcomed by a large crowd, eager to recognise the Miltown man’s achievement. Speaking to the press John said he was delighted to be back in Clare. “It’s amazing, I’ve been thinking about it since I left. There’s no place like home, I’m delighted to be back.” Reaching the earth’s summit was an unforgettable moment. “I got to stand on top of the world on May 16 at 9.45am. It was a dream of ten years for me and I was so emotional when I got to the top, I’m still emotional that I got to the top. I suppose when you chase a dream and you …

Specsavers Ennis’ fundraising activities will reach new heights next week as staff participate in a stair climber challenge to raise much-needed funds for Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin. As part of the newly launched ‘Climb for Crumlin’ campaign, Specsavers staff member Tony Power will embark on the epic journey of climbing to Mount Everest Base Camp and employees and customers across the country will go the distance on stair climber machines. Customers in Ennis are invited to drop in to their local store on Saturday, April 16 and show their support by taking part in the climb or making a donation to the worthy cause. Alternatively, customers can purchase and complete their very own wish card which will be delivered to the monks at Everest Base Camp. Wish cards cost €1 and Specsavers will match every €1 raised from these cards, with all funds going to Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin. Having exceeded its initial fundraising target, Specsavers recently announced …

THE world’s most prolific climbers are currently in Ireland speaking about their death-defying experiences in the Himalayas. Nepalese heroes Mingma Sherpa and Pasang Sherpa have travelled here to speak about their efforts to rebuild the renowned Rolwaling valley area since the devastating earthquake struck on April 25, 2015. They adressed an enthusiastic gathering at the Armada Hotel in Spanish Point on Saturday night last. The community have been working tirelessly to rebuild their village and their livelihoods and they are hoping to promote tourism in Nepal through Ascent Himalayas, Nepal Tourism Board and the Nepal Ireland Society. Tourism is the key back bone of Nepal’s economy and is a much needed source of foreign currencies, especially in the aftermath of the unprecedented natural disaster that crumbled the country’s economy and shattered the livelihoods of those living in the mountains. Climbing is currently changing dramatically in Nepal, with many sherpas setting up their own companies instead of working for western-based ones. …

THREE Shannon men made it safely off Mount Everest and into India to New Delhi on Wednesday, four days after the region was struck by a ground shattering earthquake. Davy (36) and Sam O’Neill (28), whose parents Joe and Mary live in Inis Sioda, and their friend Niall Gallagher (36), from Tullyglass but now living in Australia, decided to climb as far as the South Base Camp on Mount Everest in Nepal, an altitude of 5,364 metres, or almost 18,000 feet. The Everest Base Camp trek on the south side is one of the most popular routes in the Himalayas and is visited by thousands of trekkers each year. “They arrived three weeks ago this Thursday,” said Davy’s girlfriend Yvonne Reynolds. “They were dying to do the climb, so it was just the three of them who set out on their adventure. They got as far as the base camp but they were only there when Sam got altitude sickness …