Presented by Nuala Carey, and celebrated by Archbishop Michael Neary DD of Tuam, Sunday, July 27th will see Reek Sunday mass being celebrated live from the summit of Croagh Patrick and broadcast to the nation, on RTÉ One Television.
Up to 30,000 pilgrims are expected to take part in the pilgrimage to the summit of the quartzite peak of Croagh Patrick, which stands at 2,510 feet near the town of Westport in County Mayo. For centuries Christians have climbed the mountain as pilgrims, partly as atonement for sins, partly for favours, and partly in praise of God. For the last 100 years the highpoint of the pilgrim season has been Reek Sunday, the last Sunday in July. This year, for the first time, the event will be televised live on RTÉ One.
This event will be quite a feat of technology and man power as over two miles of cable will be run over rock and gorse bushes to the top of the mountain, equipment will be airlifted to the summit by helicopter, and three cameras will be stationed on top of the mountain.
Musicians, including accordion player, Brendan Begley, and a choir made up of local groups, will provide music during the celebration, while emergency services including the Mayo Mountain Rescue Teams, the Order of Malta and the Civil Defence will remain on standby for the duration of the pilgrimage.