The last week of March did not usher in the spring, just more bad wea-ther, nothing new for most people really. However for Fergal Hingerty, a resident of Mullingar for the past ten years, it was very significant.
Four years and 24 days previously, he had undergone a major back operation, which was make or break regarding his future mobility, as he was facing the prospect of life in a wheelchair if it was not a success. But four years on he was now just short of 1,000 new hills or mountains climbed, and so he headed to Scotland to complete his dream, despite the terrible weather conditions. To complete the 1,000 Fergal wanted to climb, something really special and what was more special than the big ‘Kuhuna’ of them all…the big ‘Sliabh Mór’ – Ben Nevis at 1,344 metres (Caurauntoohill by contrast is only 1,038 metres). Snow, rain, sleet, hailstones, ice, wind, freezing temperatures and much more was all ahead of him. But if nothing else, he was determined, and if he could get over his back, surely a bit of inclement weather would not stop him?
The first few days in the highlands were spent walking at lower levels in atrocious conditions. And then the big day finally dawned, Thursday, 2nd April 2015. First it was down to the shop in the High Street in Fort William where special hardened boots, crampons and the ice axe were hired, and then with preparations in place, it was on to the climb. The day was cold but bright and the long hard slog up the hill started. At 600 metres, the crampons were added, walking across the Red Gully with a path one metre wide and a significant drop below. It was here that the crampons were really needed.
But still he marched on, metre after metre, the snow getting deeper, and metre after metre, the temperature dropped lower and lower and then after three and a half hours, thanks to sheer determination, Fergal had finally reached the summit.
“Unbelievable, what a view, elated is how I feel,” said Fergal, who proudly displayed a Westmeath Topic poster from the top of Ben Nevis. “When I was in hospital learning to walk on a zimmer frame, I could never imagine that I would climb one mountain, let alone 1,000…but I did the hard work in the rehabilitation, stayed positive and believed. I never, ever, ever, ever, ever gave up and that is so important, no matter how many setbacks you get, said a delighted Fergal, who added, “I would like to add on a sad note, a young man, Kyle Knox, aged 23, is still missing on Ben Nevis, having gone up to climb it on the 31st of March in bad weather conditions. My thoughts are with his family and friends. For anyone who intends to go climbing, always, always wear the right equipment and take precautions, as the mountains, are not a safe environment.
So after climbing 1,000 new hills or mountains, what is next for Fergal? What is your next challenge?… Watch this space.
