Messages of congratulations are flooding in for Donegal businessman Jason Black who reached the summit of Mount Everest earlier today.
The owner of the Voodoo Nightclub in Letterkenny broke the news to family and friends overnight.
The well-known entrepreneur overcame various obstacles as well as watching two fellow climbers perish on the huge mountain.
He has spent the past number of days trying to conquer the notorious North Ridge to get to the top of the world’s highest mountain.
Jason, who became the first Donegal man to conquer the mountain is expected to get a heroes welcome when he returns to Donegal.
However, his challenge is by no means over as he still has to come down the mountain.
His wife Sharon and four children had been waiting anxiously for news of Jason’s challenge.
Jason had tried to reach the summit to coincide with eldest daughter Lura’s birthday but was juts a few hours late.
The Mayor of Letterkenny and Jason’s brother-in-law, Cllr Dessie Larkin, said the family were so relieved that Jason had reached the top of Everest in one piece.
“We have been lighting candles and praying for Jason since he left and everyone is so relieved that he has got there safely.
“When we heard of the deaths of other climbers along the way, it brought home how dangerous what he was doing actually was.
“We are just so happy for him and for Sharon and the family and we pray now that he gets down safely,” said Mayor Larkin.
Friends and family were able to keep in touch with Jason’s exploits after he kept a blog outlining his journey.
Meanwhile Mayor Larkin also promised to buy Jason his favourite drink when he arrives back in Letterkenny – a Morgan Spice but without ice!
“I don’t think he’ll want to see ice or snow for a long time,” he laughed.
Jason is due back in Ireland this Saturday.