5.07pm, May 27th, 1993 …

‘Everest calling Rongbuk. Come in please, over . . . Dermot. The altimeter is reading 8,848 metres and I’m sitting on the summit of the world.”

This was the moment Dawson Stelfox radioed Dermot Somers to let him know that he had reached the summit of Mount Everest. Stelfox was the leader of the 1993 IRISH EVEREST EXPEDITION, which included Frank Nugent (deputy leader); Dermot Somers; Robbie Fenlon; Mike Barry; Richard O’Neill Dean; Mick Murphy and Tony Burke.

27 years on, Dawson Stelfox relives the experience in an interview with Sarah McInerney on RTE Radio 1. Tune in to Today with Sarah McInerney.

Mike O’Neill

It was with great sadness that we learned of the death of Mike O’Neill.

One of the best things about being a mountaineer in Kerry was being served a pint by Mike in the Railway Tavern Bar after a day in the hills. He was a wonderful friend to all of us, keen to share our love of the mountains and always looking out for us. He will be missed.

For more, read Tracy’s tribute to her Dad on the Railay Tavern Bar FaceBook Page.