Former Mayo football star O'Hora reaches summit of Mount Everest

Team Ireland, including former Mayo footballer Pádraig O'Hora, reached the summit of Mount Everest in the early hours this morning.

The three-man team, with Éanna McGowan from Dublin and Adam Sweeney from Waterford, completed their climb to the top of the world's highest mountain after a 47-day expedition in Nepal.

On his Facebook page, O'Hora wrote: "Summit reached, confirmed at 1.33am Irish time, 20th of Ma,y that Padraig @eannaseverestjourney & @adamtsweeney reached the summit of Mount Everest making them the 67th, 68th and 69th Irish people to ever reach the top of the world as the first all Irish team in over 20 years.

"We are all so, so proud. Thank you all so much for the incredible support. Next steps are a safe decent."

Writing on Instagram, team leader Jason Black, who had to abandon his journey due to an ankle injury, shared the news.

"History has been made on the slopes of Mount Everest this morning," he wrote.

"After 47 days Team Ireland has successfully reached the highest point on Earth.

"This journey was about far more than standing on a summit. It was about resilience, teamwork, belief and carrying the hopes of many people all the way to the top of the world.

"This success belongs to the climbers, their families, our incredible Sherpa team, and everyone who followed and supported this journey.

"More importantly to the children of this world, this expedition has shown that if you dream big, believe in yourself, and never be afraid to chase what is in your heart, you can achieve anything.

"At a time when our world feels broken by war and hatred, today reminds us that there is still unity, hope, and peace."

"What a day to be Irish! We hope we have done Ireland proud."

O'Hora, who played for seven years with the Mayo team, was climbing in aid of Mayo Mental Health Services.

Many tributes and congratulations are being made to the Ballina man and his colleagues on social media.

Well-wisher Michael Brophy said: "A massive achievement, well done.

"Months of preparation, training and having the correct mindset can take you anywhere in today's world."