In a remarkable feat of endurance, Bantry Blues Club member and U21s & Premier Intermediate mentor, Ger O'Brien, has reached the summit of Mount Aconcagua in Argentina, the highest peak in the Andes and the tallest mountain in both the Western and Southern Hemispheres, the highest mountain outside of Asia. Towering at 6,961 meters (22,838 feet), it holds a unique place in the world of mountaineering—second in the Seven Summits challenge, which includes the highest mountain on each continent, only surpassed by Mount Everest a testament to the audacity of the climb these men from Bantry set their sights on.Its towering presence makes it a significant landmark for climbers and geographers alike. Some achievement by these boys from the parish

Ger, alongside a team of six climbers, including local parish men Andrew Desmond and Declan Bevan—both St. Colum’s men—faced a climb unlike any other completed the arduous climb to 6,961 meters (22,838 feet)

For these men, this was no ordinary trek. To put it into perspective, scaling Ireland's highest mountain, Carrauntoohil, at 1,038.6 meters (3,407 feet), would seem like a leisurely Sunday stroll. However, Aconcagua presented a different kind of challenge: a bone-chilling battle with the elements, Snow-covered slopes and biting winds tested their resolve in the ascent that pushed each climber to their limits. The tough conditions made for a gruelling journey, but the sense of achievement upon reaching the summit was undeniable.

As is typical of Ger’s unshakeable pride in his roots, and never one to miss an opportunity to show his Bantry Blues pride, proudly raised the Bantry Blues flag higher than it has ever flown before, from the summit of the Andes—proclaiming to the world that the Blues’ spirit can reach far beyond the football field: #BluesAbú.

The climb’s physical demands didn’t cease once the summit was conquered. This morning, Ger and his team after completing their summit mission began their descent from Camp 3 Colera, heading for the Plaza de Mulas base camp, an 8-hour journey in itself. Following that, the final phase of their climb they’ll hike for a further 2-3 days towards the Hormones Valley, where the team will prepare for their return to Bantry.

 Ger now has conquered the highest peaks in South America - Mount Aconcagua( 6962m)  and Africa highest - Mount Kilamnjaro (5895m) and Europes Mount Blanc Mont Blanc.(4,808 meters )

 

Despite the epic achievement, Ger was already setting his sights on his next challenge. He called the club from the summit camp, clearly excited for the upcoming task of guiding the Bantry Blues U21s in their opening match of the 2025 season. On Sunday, February 9th, Ger and his fellow mentors will take charge of the U21s in the Clona Milk Carbery U21A Football Championship as they face Carbery Rangers in Drimoleague, with throw-in at 3pm.