A memorial service for Seamas Lawless who died on Mount Everest has heard that his dream was fulfilled.
The 39 year old Trinity College Professor was reported missing after reaching the peak of the world’s highest mountain last week.
Crowds spilled out of The Holy Redeemer Church in Bray this morning to remember the father of one.
A picture of the mountaineer was placed on the alter beside a photo of the sunrise on the morning he summited Mount Everest - the 39 year old mountaineer disappeared last Thursday shortly afterwards.
Lawless fell during his descent from the mountain at an altitude of 8,300 metres, in an area known as 'The Balcony.
Crowds spilled out from The Holy Redeemer Church in Bray at a memorial service this morning for Seamas Lawless who is missing on Mount Everest. pic.twitter.com/zDxYQ3xSrb
— Kim Buckley (@KiiimBuckley) May 27, 2019
Speaking at this morning’s service, his friend Rob said that despite climbing Mt Everest, his greatest achievement was his family: 'His dream of reaching the top of Mount Everest was fulfilled, he'd accomplished what he set out to do. Shay achieved many wonderful things in his life, however his greatest achievement in his eyes was his family'. He added 'It is fitting that your final resting place should be on the top of the world, because that is where you belong'.
The recovery operation to find Seamas' body was called off last Friday - in a statement, the family said that based on expert advice they had decided to stand down the search due to treacherous conditions.
At the service this morning, the priest on behalf of the family thanked everyone who had donated to the GoFundMe campaign which had been set up to fund the search – over €260,000 has been raised.
Seamas is survived by his wife Pam and his daughter Emma.
