Hundreds of people gathered in Cork Airport yesterday to welcome home the triumphant team that conquered Everest.
Only two of the six-member team made it to the top. Cork native Mick Murphy and Ger McDonnell from Limerick reached the summit on May 23rd, six days before the 50th anniversary of Sir Edmund Hillary's first ascent.
However, each of the climbers was given a hero's welcome yesterday. There were emotional scenes at the arrivals hall, where the mountaineers were re-united with their spouses, parents and supporters, who had followed their 81-day progress from Cork to the summit of Everest.
"These men and women are great role models for our children," said Lord Mayor of Cork, John Kelleher.