Irish duo takes next step towards climbing the world’s highest mountains

Next month Paul Devaney from Killoe in Longford and Niall O'Byrnes from Castledermot in Kildare will begin a 20-day expedition to reach the summit of Aconcagua, the highest point in South America, the tallest peak in the western hemisphere and the largest mountain outside of the Himalayas.

Both are about to take their next step in a bid to complete the Seven Summit Challenge, climbing the highest mountain on each continent. Having already raised over €16,000.00 for charity during their 4 expeditions to date, the adventurous duo have set themselves the target of fundraising €7000 for their summit bid on Aconcagua. This represents €1 for each metre on the mountain, which is located in the Andes range, on the border with Chile in one of the most remote regions of Argentina.

The intrepid pair have already completed four of the seven peaks that make up the Seven Summit Challenge - the most recent being their successful ascent of Denali, a 6000m mountain of ice and snow in the Alaska wilderness which is the highest point in North America and one of the coldest and most demanding mountains on the planet. Both have previously climbed Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Elbrus in Russia, Mont Blanc in France and Kosciuszko in Australia. The team is keen to use this experience to benefit others, and have focused their efforts on some significant fundraising for charities including Make-A-Wish, Concern, Self-Help Africa, Positive Behaviour Ireland and Susan G Komen. This time around they are hoping to raise €7000 for the Children’s Sunshine Home, Irelands first hospice for children.

“This fundraising will enable the purchase of two much-needed oxygen devices for the Children’s Sunshine Home to allow chronically ill children more freedom of movement within the hospice facility and beyond,” says Paul. “All the proceeds from our fundraising efforts are donated directly to our selected charity. The prospect of supporting such incredibly worthwhile causes makes every climb a very special experience.”

“Each of the mountains brings its own challenges," says Niall. "Aconcagua presents us with a new unknown because of the altitude affects at 22,841ft along with the infamous wind speeds close to the peak, but the breathtaking views from the summit always makes the ascent worthwhile.”

Should they be successful in South America, the team plan to tackle the Vinson Massif set in the frozen wastelands of Antarctica in 2012, with a shot at the holy grail of Mount Everest penciled in for the summer of 2014. For now the focus is on Aconcagua and reaching South Americas highest point.

More information on Paul & Nialls expedition, the teams Seven Summit Challenge and their fundraising efforts can be found on their website at www.irishsevensummits.com.

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Notes to the Editor

Paul Devaney, Age: 34
Born: Killoe, Co. Longford

Current Address: Friedrichstrasse 56, 10117, Berlin, Germany

Mobile: +49 170 798 1144

email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Profession: Business Director for Rolls-Royce Aerospace Group in Berlin

Niall O'Byrnes, Age: 34
Born: Castledermot, Co. Kildare

Current Address: Apt 10, Westminster Hall, Westminster Road, Foxrock, Dublin 18

Mobile: +353 86 364 1386

email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Profession: Data Analyst for Dunnhnumby in Dublin.

The Seven Summits
Africa – Kilimanjaro
Europe – Elbrus
Australia – Kosciuszko
North America – Denali  (also known as McKinley)
South America – Aconcagua
Antarctica – Vinson Massif
Asia – Everest

Aconcagua Background
The highest mountain in the world outside of Asia, Aconcagua gives climbers a chance to experience a high altitude major mountain expedition without dangerous slopes or technical climbing. At almost 23,000 feet, Aconcagua is significantly harder on every level compared to Elbrus or Kilimanjaro. Being in good shape alone is not enough, and a dedicated training program for the mountain will be required for most climbers to reach the summit. The demands of a long expedition (20 days), carrying heavy packs, extreme altitude, and the cold and violent wind storms come as a shock to many. As a result, about 70% of all climbers who attempt Aconcagua will fail. 

Itinerary
Arrive in Mendoza at 2496ft
Drive to Penitentes at 8500ft
Penitentes to Pampa de Lenas (8500ft to 9500ft)
Pampa de Lenas to Casa Piedra (9500ft to 10600ft)
Casa Piedra to Plaza Argentina (10600ft to 13800ft)
Rest at Plaza Argentina Base Camp (13800ft)
Plaza Argentina to Camp 1 to Plaza Argentina (13800ft to 16300ft to 13800ft)
Plaza Argentina to Camp 1 (13800ft to 16300ft)
Camp 1 to Camp 2 to Camp 1 (16300ft to 17500ft to 16300ft)
Camp 1 to Camp 2 (16300ft to 17500ft)
Camp 2 to Camp 3 (17500ft to 17800ft)
Camp 3 to Camp 4 to Camp 3 (17800ft to 19200ft to 17800ft)
Camp 3 to Camp 4 (17800ft to 19200ft)
Camp 4 to Summit to Camp 4 (19200ft to 22841ft to 19200ft)
Camp 4 to Plaza de Mules (19200ft to 13800ft)
Plaza de Mules to Penitentes (13800ft to 8500ft)
Contingency/Weather Day 1
Contingency/Weather Day 2
Contingency/Weather Day 3
Penitentes to Mendoza (8500ft to 2496ft)
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