KATHMANDU: An Irish mountaineering team has made history on Mount Everest, with three climbers from Ireland standing atop the world's highest peak for the first time in over two decades as a full national team, expedition organiser 8K Expeditions announced today.

The team — Éanna McGowan, Adam Sweeney, and Padraig O'Hora — reached the 8,848.86-metre summit at 3:15 AM on May 20, 2026, accompanied by high-altitude guides Milan Sherpa, Temba Sherpa, and Nang Tenji Sherpa. according to Lakpa Sherpa, Managing Director at 8K Expeditions. 

The expedition was led by veteran Irish mountaineer Jason Black of Black Mountaineering.

Among the summit team, Adam Sweeney has claimed a landmark record, becoming the youngest Irish person in history to reach the top of Everest. Adam is the youngest Irish person (age 22) and 1st from Waterford to summit Everest.

"The summit of Everest is never given. It is earned," said Lakpa Sherpa.

The team prepared for the ascent through a structured acclimatisation programme that included a climb of Lobuche East Peak (6,119m). The seven-week expedition saw the climbers endure extreme cold, high winds, and the physiological demands of extended time in the death zone before achieving their goal.

8K Expeditions credited the success to the climbing team's months of preparation, the support of their families, and the expertise and commitment of the Sherpa team throughout the expedition. The climbers were reported to be descending to lower camps following the summit.