Rains fails to deter pilgrims from Croagh Patrick climb

Archbishop congratulates people on peace that made the pilgrimage possible

Mayo, 30 July 1923 - In weather that was as poor as has been seen on Reek Sunday for the last two decades, thousands of people joined the annual pilgrimage to Croagh Patrick yesterday. Notable among them were many Free State army officers and soldiers, including Major General Seán MacEoin.

The large attendance, notwithstanding the rain, was made possible by the special trains that ran from Dublin and elsewhere, as well as by the extensive use of motor cars. Some pilgrims remained on the mountain peak overnight, committing to a nightlong regime of prayer and fasting.

Masses were celebrated on the mountain and between 2,000 and 3,000 people are understood to have received Holy Communion. Confessions were also held in the open air.

Preaching in St. Mary’s Church in Westport, the Most. Rev. Dr. Gilmartin, Archbishop of Tuam congratulated the people for the peace that now existed and which had made it possible to hold the pilgrimage. Dr. Gilmartin added that he hoped there would be a lasting Christian peace out of the chaos of the last two years.

Pathé newsreel footage from Coagh Patrick on Reek Sunday, 1921

[Editor's note: This is an article from Century Ireland, a fortnightly online newspaper, written from the perspective of a journalist 100 years ago, based on news reports of the time.]