By Lisa Ramsden
A very special event, honouring and celebrating the life of a world-renowned local mountaineer, takes place in the Slieve Croob hills this weekend.
Noel Hanna’s wife, Lynne, has organised Sunday’s event in memory of her beloved husband.
Noel passed away in his sleep in April 2023, at a camp while making a descent after summiting Annapurna in Nepal, the world’s 10th highest mountain.
With a wealth of climbs under his belt, Mr Hanna, who hailed from Dromara, was the first person from the island of Ireland to successfully climb K2, the second tallest mountain in the world and often considered the most difficult to ascend. He was also well known for scaling Everest 10 times throughout his career, as well as completing the famous Seven Summits challenge.
During this weekend’s event – which is also a fundraiser for the community-based Slieve Croob Community First Responders – a memorial plaque will be unveiled, before participants set off on a walk to the top of Slieve Croob, which is the highest peak in the Dromara hills.
Participants are asked to gather at Slieve Croob car park. The event will commence at 2.30pm with the unveiling of a plaque dedicated to Noel’s outstanding mountaineering achievements and then, at 3pm, Lynne will lead the walk to the summit.
Lynne said she hopes this weekend’s event will be seen as a way of celebrating her amazing husband and everything he achieved in his lifetime. Despite being described as Ireland’s most accomplished mountaineer, Mr Hanna, who was just 56 at the time of his death, always remained modest about his achievements.
Lynne said this Sunday’s event will be “a special occasion”, adding that Noel was first and foremost a proud Dromara man. She said this tribute and fundraiser will give the opportunity for his loved ones, friends and wider community to “come together to remember Noel and celebrate his life.”
Mrs Hanna has encouraged people to come along and, even if they are unable to take part in the walk, share their memories of Noel and donate whatever they can to the local charity.
Slieve Croob Community First Responders works in tandem with the NI Ambulance Service and often sees its team of trained volunteers being first on scene at life-threatening medical emergencies.
“Let’s walk in Noel’s memory and support a cause close to his heart,” she continued. “Let’s honour Noel’s spirit, his love for the mountains and the many lives he inspired.”
Those taking part in the walk are asked to wear appropriate footwear and dress for the weather. Refreshments will be served afterwards.
