Laois hurler climbs the highest peak of every county

A Laois 22 year old has successfully climbed the highest peak of each county in Ireland.

Tadhg Culliton, a University of Limerick student from Mountmellick, decided to climb the highest peak of every county ahead of his upcoming charity climb of Mount Kilimanjaro.

He started his challenge of climbing each peak in every county in October of 2024, and completed it in early July.

"The toughest climb was definitely Mweelrea in Mayo," Mr Culliton told the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

Pictured: Tadhg Culliton having climbed the highest peak in every county

"I climbed Mayo and Galway and camped overnight, the weather was so bad that I had to go home around 3am. I did 8 peaks in one weekend a few weeks ago, and towards the end of that I was beat," he explained.

"I did the stairway to heaven, and after doing six counties beforehand, I was floored."

The student has said that he is relieved to have finished his challenge, ahead of his Kilimanjaro climb. 

"I had started this while I was still in college, and between my studies, work and playing sports, it has been tough going. Every day off or weekend I had, I tipped off and did something."

Mr Culliton says that it hasn't quite dawned on him yet, that he will soon be climbing the highest mountain in Africa. 

He will embark on his journey with UL classmates in aid of the Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF).

"It still feels like August is ages away," he said.

Pictured: Tadhg at the peak of Cuilcagh, the last of eight peaks he recently climbed in one weekend.

"There's a lot more activity in the group chat, people are asking more questions about it. I put my training on the back foot when I went to Waterford for teaching placement, now I'm back focusing on it," Mr Culliton explained.

"I'm definitely buzzing for it, in a way I almost don't want it to come around. Once its over with, it's over- everything has been catered around the climb for the last year," he admitted.

"Next year we are doing the Atlas and climbing the highest peak in North Africa, I was referred to lead it. I had to do an interview, and will be leading the charge on it," he said.

"I have my eyes on Ben Nevis this winter, it will be iced over and I'll be using alpine climbing gear. Someday I would love to go on and do the Seven Summits."

The Mountmellick man's love for climbing stems from childhood hikes with his family, and the peace that can be found on the peaks.

"I love going off solo, only three or four climbs did with other people. I get really sick of being in a constant loop of college, work and sport. You're always on the go, even though I'm doing it for myself. When you go off to the mountains for three or four days by yourself, you won't see anyone, you're miles away from the nearest people, it's a peace."

Mr Culliton has a fundraising target of €5,800 to meet, with over €1,000 towards the climbing gear and registration that he will pay himself.

"Luckily no one close to me has been affected by meningitis, but I have lost family members to heart disease and cancer, and I wanted to help raise money for a charity that can help other families," he said.

"We have raised €4,220 which is unbelievable," he said.

"My younger brother Fionnán has been such a support in this. He worked through eight hours at the last car wash, and has the ball rolling. He has been flat out and supporting me the whole way along."

Tadhg will be holding a charity car wash at Bowe's Tyres and Auto Centre on Saturday from 9am to 4pm, and would like to thank Laois locals for their donations so far. 

Those interested can donate here.