The annual Reek Sunday pilgrimage on Croagh Patrick in Co Mayo has been cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The decision to abandon the annual event on Sunday 26 July has been taken following detailed consultations in recent weeks.
In a statement, the Reek Sunday Organising Forum said that concern about visitor numbers and adherence to public health advice were the main deciding factors behind the cancellation.
Organisers say it would not be logistically possible to oversee the pilgrimage in 2020. Many of the stewards that marshal the route are cocooning at present and the need for medical personnel on the site throughout the day would constitute further a health risk.