Two Dorsey men have spoken of their “amazing adventure” having conquered the world’s highest free-standing mountain in a grueling charity fundraising climb.
Ciaran McCann and Shane McCreesh took on the challenging feat to raise money for the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust (KBRT), a charity with which they have had first-hand experience.
Speaking to The Examiner after returning from Tanzania, having completed the tough 62km 20,000ft ascent, Ciaran revealed that during the most difficult parts of the climb, it was thoughts of his close friend Niall Quinn and the KBRT family that kept him going.
Niall died in a tragic boating accident in Australia in January 2016 and it was with the assistance of the KBRT that his remains were returned to his grieving family in Silverbridge. His friend’s tragic death was the reason Ciaran embarked on this arduous challenge, to fundraise for the KBRT charity as a tribute to Niall.
Having battled altitude sickness and severe exhaustion, Ciaran says the climb was both physically and mentally demanding.
“It was a gruelling adventure from the start with the 24-hour travelling schedule [to reach the mountain’s base camp]. We undertook the seven-day option via Machame route under the guidance of Monkey Adventures company, which provide local work for people of their local community.”
Describing the climb itself, Ciaran added: “It was hugely physically demanding as we were struggling to breathe once we hit a certain height and experienced splitting migraines. Summit day was particularly gruelling, it’s where most people make or break.
“We had to stay at several campsites at different altitude levels throughout the week. There was no access to shower facilities for entire week, our days walking ranged from 4 to 6 and 8 hours and summit day was 15 hours in total. We had to start 11.30pm on our second last night to get to the summit at 6.15am for sunrise and got down at 3pm to a safe resting place before starting at 5am the following morning to finish the journey down. You can’t stay at the top for more than a certain time or medical problems will occur.”
Ciaran says one of the most difficult aspects was having no contact with family, friends and the outside world.
“That was very tough mentally also, with having no contact from home and the community whatsoever. Niall Quinn – who I was doing it in tribute for – and KBRT family around the world, was driving me on.
“So many people were asking our families whilst we were away were there any updates on us and wishing us all the best for a safe return, so these were kind words to hear,” he added.
Despite the punishing experience, Ciaran says he would “highly recommend” the Kilimanjaro challenge: “It was an amazing adventure overall and would highly recommend people to try and succeed at it as it’s a huge challenge in many ways.”
Ciaran pointed out that since they began their trip at the beginning of July, KBRT has been involved in the repatriation of the remains of a further two people from the area who tragically passed away abroad.
Underlining how the charity’s work “is very much needed”, he said, “In our time away, the charity was involved sadly with Geraldine Donnelly [from Crossmaglen] and Pat Faulkner from Anagasson, Co. Louth who passed away in Turkey. Pat was a former colleague of mine at Matthews Coaches Inniskeen, where I work currently, and his death came as a huge shock.”
With donations still being received and counted, Ciaran and Shane will have a final figure in the coming weeks which will be presented to KBRT.