ENNIS’ Nora Casey became the first person to fly the flag of the All-Ireland champions on Kilimanjaro.
After a gruelling eight day climb, Nora reached Uhuru Peak which at 5,895 meters above sea level, is the highest free-standing peak in Africa. Reaching Uhuru Peak is the end goal of 20,000-35,000 hikers each year
Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the most popular destinations for avid hikers and climbers. A long-dormant volcano, Mt. Kilimanjaro boasts the highest peaks in Tanzania, as well as the entire African continent.
Upon reaching the summit, Nora was proud to don a Clare hat and flag, days after the county’s hurlers scaled their own peak by becoming the All-Ireland champions.
As far back as November 2020, Nora set the target of climbing Kilimanjaro in August 2021 in aid of Menigitis Research Foundation where she also managed to raise close to €4,000, fundraising efforts have included walking 106 laps of the track in Lees Rd. Uncertainty with vaccinations during the pandemic prompted Nora to postpone the trek for a year.
Altitude sickness during the hike last year prompted Nora to make the “really difficult” decision to descend on the third day of the hike.
She came back stronger and more determined for 2024 and on Monday reached the summit after a tough eight day trek. “I was fairly determined having not made it all the way last year, and my guide, Johnny Nanyaro, was absolutely incredible and determined that we got there. It was so surreal when we did reach Uhuru Peak, I had put a lot of work into training since November / December, and to see it all paid off was incredible, I was quite emotional,” Nora told The Clare Echo.
“I was so disappointed about missing the All-Ireland final but thankfully was able to tune into Syl O’Connor at the hotel on Sunday before starting the hike Tuesday, but being able to celebrate at the top of Kilimanjaro with some Clare gear was a great experience, and one I will definitely never forget,” she added.
