Doves were released into the sky today in memory of Irish climber Ger McDonnell who died descending K2 earlier this month.
More than 1,000 people gathered at the adventurer’s home town of Kilcoran, Co Limerick, for a Mass in his honour.
The 37-year-old was killed by an ice avalanche on his way down, after becoming the first Irish person to reach the summit of the Himalayan peak — considered the world’s most dangerous.
In an emotional address to the congregation at the religious service, Mr McDonnell’s brother, JJ, said his death had left a void.
“Gerard you are our hero, Gerard we miss you and we love you,” he said.
“The future will be difficult to face without you. There is a void left which we have only our happy memories to fill.”
JJ, his mother Gertie and sisters Martha, Stephanie and Denise as well as his girlfriend Annie Starky led the mourners.
Wilco Van Rooijen, the rescued leader of the doomed expedition, and aides-de-camp representing President Mary McAleese and Taoiseach Brian Cowen were also among the congregation.
Mr McDonnell was among 11 people from several teams caught up in the avalanche at about 8,000m as they made their way down to safety.
The 8,611-metre K2 mountain on the Pakistani-Chinese border is regarded as more challenging than Mount Everest because of its steeper routes and unpredictable weather.
Forty nine climbers have died on K2 since 1952 — 22 while descending from the summit.
Mr McDonnell, who lived in Alaska, failed to reach the summit of the mountain two years ago after he was hit by a rock fall and was airlifted to hospital.
Only 189 climbers have reached the summit since the 1950s, compared with around 1,400 for Everest.
PA