Three people were airlifted and 12 stretchered off Croagh Patrick yesterday in what were described as atrocious weather conditions and a busy day for Mountain Rescue services

Extremely heavy persistent rain left climbing condition on  both the path and the cone difficult for the estimated 25,000 pilgrims who braved it to the summit.

Most incidents occurred either on the shoulder or on the cone of the Holy Mounatin.

Iso Jorgensen is the PRO of Mayo Mountain Rescue, and Mayo Mountain Rescue Coordinated yesterday’s rescues with assistance from Mountain Rescue Crews across the country

This morning she told Midwest News that it was a very busy day on the reek, with three airlifts before lunchtime.