Volunteer ambassadors on Mayo's holy mountain sport new uniform

THE Croagh Patrick Volunteer Ambassador Programme has announced a generous sponsorship from Portwest, Westport, who have provided new summer uniforms for the team of dedicated volunteers.

This collaboration is a testament to the shared commitment within the community to ensuring safety, unity and respect for the sacred mountain.

The ambassador programme plays a crucial role in the stewardship of Croagh Patrick, one of Ireland’s most revered pilgrimage sites.

The trained volunteers are tasked with advising visitors of the Leave No Trace principles and encouraging them to respect the mountain by sticking to the path. Ensuring visitors stay on the designated route is vital for both their safety and the preservation of this significant site, and supports the invaluable work of the Croagh Patrick volunteer path restoration team.

The new uniforms, sponsored by Portwest, make the volunteers easily identifiable and will help improve their visitor engagement on the mountain. The clear visibility offered by the uniforms reinforces the sense of community within the volunteer team, while ensuring that their presence on the mountain is felt by all visitors.

Tony McCabe, a Croagh Patrick Volunteer Ambassador, expressed deep gratitude to Harry Hughes, Portwest Westport’s sponsor, and Daniel Chapman, brand marketing manager at Portwest, for their invaluable input and support in making this generous donation come to fruition.

"Our work is a labour of love, and these uniforms not only enhance our visibility but also symbolise the unity and dedication of our volunteer team. We are committed to ensuring the safety of every visitor to Croagh Patrick, and these uniforms will allow us to carry out our duties with even greater effectiveness," he said.

The ambassador programme is passionate about maintaining a safe and respectful pilgrimage experience for all those who ascend Croagh Patrick. Volunteers encourage visitors to engage with them, to say hello when they see them in their new uniforms and to always follow the safe path to the summit.

For more information on the Croagh Patrick Volunteer Ambassador Programme, or to get involved, visit the website croaghpatrick.net/ambassadors or connect with them on social media.