• Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Derry Youth Community

Community, prayer and service

Main navigation

  • Home
  • About DYC
  • News
  • Community Life
    • DYC Community Members 2018-19
  • Contact Us
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • YouTube
DYC on Croagh Patrick 2016

Activities, News

DYC climb Croagh Patrick

110 young people from Derry Diocese tackle the climb

Over 15,000 pilgrims make the challenging climb up Croagh Patrick each year. This year, from the Diocese of Derry, 110 young people with their teachers, and ourselves, members of the Derry Youth Community, were numbered among that 15,000. The buses left Derry at 6.30am, and the long journey was spent partly sleeping and partly preparing for the day ahead.

We arrived in a flurry of mixed feelings and emotions, both excited and daunted at the prospect of the difficult climb facing us. After Fr Sean O’Donnell had offered a prayer and blessing for the ordeal ahead, we set off. It proved to be an amazing experience: pilgrims talked together, encouraged each other and exchanged laughter, fun and life stories.

This was during the comparatively gentle first half of the climb, which deceived us into thinking we would reach the summit with ease, but as we continued our ascend, the climb became steeper and steeper until with every couple of steps forward we found ourselves sliding a step backwards.

DYC ascend Croagh PatrickMass on Croagh Patrick

Reaching the summit

We eventually reached the summit, exhausted but elated, and drank in the spectacular views. Fr Sean celebrated mass in the mountain top chapel, after which we enjoyed a welcome lunch. Spirits were high as we began the descent; the hardest part of the journey was over and all we had in front of us was the downward hike. We felt as if we were flying down, and indeed, much to the amusement of the group, some of us did actually fly off our feet.

Later!

How we appreciated the local hotel’s comfortable chairs and appetising dinner. We had great fun exchanging stories of the climb with other pilgrims we hadn’t previously met. On the bus home the atmosphere was one of great camaraderie and achievement; we had, after all, shared one of the most challenging experiences of our lives.

Published: 19th April 2016

« Previous Post
Next Post »

Become a Community Member

We are actively seeking new members to join our community each year. If you feel you are suitable, download the application form and post it to:
Derry Youth Community
Saint Eugene's Cathedral
Francis Street,
Derry
BT48 9AP

If you have any questions feel free to email us on: dyc@derrydiocese.org
Telephone: +44 (0)28 71 262 894
Office hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

  • Download an application form in Pdf format
  • Download an application in MS Word format

Primary Sidebar

Before Footer

Facebook

This message is only visible to admins.

Problem displaying Facebook posts.
Click to show error

Error: Server configuration issue

Twitter

  • @JP2Award @RadioMariaIRE @DioceseOfDerry @steugenesderry It was a pleasure to have been part of the programme! 13th June 2019 11:11 am
  • @derrydiocese It was our pleasure! 3rd June 2019 8:13 pm
  • Follow us @dycyouth

Footer

Address

Derry Youth Community
Saint Eugene’s Cathedral
Francis Street
Derry
BT48 9AP

Contact

+44 (0)28 7126 2894
dyc@derrydiocese.org

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • © 2016 Derry Youth Community
  • |
  • Open the door to God