06 May 2025
"Well done Dave"
Those words of encouragement are still ringing in my ears after my climb up Carreuntoohil with Pieras Kelly. The man is a master mountaineer and a bit of a therapist as well. I'm 72 and have hiked/climbed in the Sierras, Patagonia, Rwanda, British Columbia and other places as well. In every case it was a guided climb either solo, with my daughter, or a small group. All of the guides I've climbed with were excellent, but Pieras is the best.
His attention to detail, experience on the mountain, understanding of and respect for the history of the region made for an incredibly exciting and enlightening day.
The weather was typically Irish. Sunny at times then driving rain and wind a short time later. Scrambling up a "step" was a new experience for me and each time I found a foot fall or a handhold with Pieras guidance he'd say "Well done Dave" and I'd find the confidence to go the next step.
Thank you my friend. I hope we can do this again some day.