by Martha Ewence | [email protected]
A DETERMINED group of young people and volunteers from Moyross conquered one of Ireland’s most famous peaks recently, some for the fourth time, as they scaled Croagh Patrick.
The young people, who are members of Limerick Youth Service’s 4th Corner-Northside Youth Café, climbed the mountain to highlight exercise as a means of maintaining healthy mental wellbeing.
‘Hillwalking is a great alternative to games such as soccer and has the added benefit of introducing young people from city estates to the great outdoors,’ said Kate O’Driscoll, Limerick Youth Service, who led the climbers.
‘Our young people should be extremely proud of themselves as the climbed Croagh Patrick on what was a hot day with some challenging conditions,’ said Ms. Driscoll, Youth Worker, Northside Youth Café.
Climbing Croagh Patrick is no mean feat a point alluded to by Ms. O’Driscoll as two members of the team did not reach the summit.
‘It was their first time and they probably didn’t realise how challenging it was going to be,’ said Ms. O’Driscoll, adding with a suspicious smile ‘they looked quite relaxed sunning themselves when we met them on the way down!’
For the majority of the group though it was their fourth time scaling Ireland’s fabled peak and according to legend once you climb the holy mountain three times you go straight to heaven!
‘There’ll be no queuing at the pearly white gates or speaking to St. Peter, we’re going straight through,’ laughed Ms. O’Driscoll.
Ms. O’Driscoll thanked the young people, junior leaders and volunteers for taking part in the climb saying ‘they are already planning our next big adventure!’
Located at Watch House Cross Shopping Centre, the 4th Corner-Northside Youth Café is a place where young people can play pool, Xbox, take part in various programmes or simply hang out.
Now in our 40th year, Limerick Youth Service remains committed to supporting and encouraging young people to be active participants in shaping their futures.
