A Co Clare hotelier has become the first Clare man to summit the world’s tallest mountain literally ‘raising the banner’ for the Banner county.
John Burke, MD of the Armada Hotel in Spanish Point, has completed the mammoth challenge in aid of a non-profit organisation established by John and his wife Aoibhín. Elevate aims to promote youth wellness in Co. Clare.
Actress and Dancing With The Stars finalist Aoibhín confirmed the incredible achievement via Twitter this morning.
John successfully summited the mountain with the support of Tamting Sherpa from Nepal.
At 9:45am local time @johnjohnb became the first Clare man to successfully summit Mt Everest 😊
— Aoibhín Garrihy (@AoibhinGarrihy) May 16, 2017
John and Aoibhín travelled to Nepal as part of a group of six from Co Clare on April 4th last.
The team took 9 days to reach Everest Base Camp before John set off on the next phase of the ascent.
The group included Ennisman Tony O’Loughlin, who previously travelled to Everest base camp in 2012, John’s nephew Callum Curtin, Yvonne Connellan from Kilmaley and Niamh Keogh from Ennis.
With conditions in the area improving in recent days and the route to the summit opening up on Monday, John and the rest of the ascent team reached Camp 4 yesterday and made the final push last night.
Contributions to the Elevate charity can be made here.