By Mary O'Malley as published on Louisburgh-Killeen Heritage Group. visit: https://www.louisburgh-killeenheritage.org/

"This is the story of the Families who for generations traded on Croagh Patrick providing refreshments to the weary pilgrims.

What were the different routes taken by these families to bring all their supplies to the summit from the surrounding villages? How did this network of support, Meitheal and friendship endure the sometimes-harsh conditions? Who are these families and why were they so connected to Ireland’s Holy Mountain?

Traditionally, the locals would climb Croagh Patrick on Garland Friday, the Friday before Reek Sunday, which is the last Sunday in July. On Friday 26th July 2024 after mass in Murrisk Carpark we premiered this short film telling the Traders stories and also had an excellent exhibition from the pupils of local primary schools.

From August 2023 to 2024 Louisburgh-Killeen Heritage and Louisburgh Area Men’s Shed researched and gathered the stories and memories of some of the families who were Traders on the Reek. We met weekly in Lecanvey community centre to share information and plan the next steps. We visited all the local primary schools to invite the students to create art work and Holy Family N.S. Killeen, St. Patricks N.S. Louisburgh and Drummin N.S. submitted some beautiful paintings, PowerPoint presentations, poetry and essays including audio which you can view on our website."

More you find under this link: https://www.louisburgh-killeenheritage.org/topics/traders-on-the-reek-project/traders-on-the-reek-documentary