Irish trio name Greenland peaks

A 700-metre peak in eastern Greenland has been named after polar explorer Tom Crean, who served with both Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton and Captain Robert Falcon Scott. The mountain was given its new title last week by a group of Irish climbers who became the first people to scale the summit.

Another two peaks have been named after Scouting Ireland and the cancer charity, Debra, which the expedition was raising funds for. All together, the upland range was named after Charles Barrington, an Irish man who became the first to climb the 3,970-metre Swiss mountain Eiger in 1858.

The three mountaineers, Greg Slingerland, Bill Roberts and Myles Campion, scaled 10 previously unclimbed Greenland peaks during their trip, and have therefore been given permission to register their chosen names. A picture of one of the peaks, now known as Mount Crean, will be presented to the relatives of the late explorer.

Mr Campion said he felt honoured to have been part of the expedition, which raised funds and awareness for Debra. The Irish charity encourages research into cures and treatments for the genetic skin condition epidermolysis bullosa, and provides patient support services.

(Library photos for illustration purposes only: Anders Peter Amsnæs)