Climbing Croagh Patrick

AN EMAIL FROM KEVIN BURKE IN IRELAND

PORTLAND’S GREATEST FIDDLER CONQUERS CROAGH PATRICK….It's not the tallest mountain in Ireland. It's not even the tallest mountain in Connaught. But for centuries it's been known as the Holy Mountain; the one where Patrick fasted for 40 days and the one where you'll find a church built in the Fifth Century at the summit, 2,507 feet above Clew Bay.

Kevin has lived with wife Elfriede and raised Emma and Michael in Northeast Portland since the eighties.So we can claim him as a Portlander, He’s in the Oregon Music Hall of Fame after all. Now Kevin spends some of his time at a cottage in Co. Mayo to be nearer where people flock to hear him play the fiddle. He recently checked in with the Hibernian Independent to answer the question,”What was it like climbing to the top. of Croagh Patrick?”

“No problem broadcasting the epic tale of the Sunday July 2nd ascent . Cool and windy were the conditions but strong and hearty was the mindset. One might presume that "Walk, don't run" would be the perfect motto for such an event but no, I was overtaken by several people running up and down the mountain. I saw one striking young lassie climbing barefoot (with painted toenails!). Also, a group of locals were celebrating a friend's 60th birthday with 4 climbs in the one day. On my way down I met one hardy gent who was on his 3rd ascent of the day.

I took it slowly, about 4 and a half hours round trip, including a 20/30 min stop at the top for tea and sandwiches (lovingly prepared in the comfort of my nearby cottage before setting off for the climb).

Going up was strenuous but coming down was sore on the joints. I was delighted to reach the top but perhaps even more so to reach the bottom.

A tiring but satisfying day out. Up Mayo. Cheers.”