‘I had serious problems with alcohol and drugs… GAA saved me’ – Pádraig O’Hora’s journey from pit of despair to climbing Everest

Former Mayo footballer knows what it’s like to be a troubled teenager and is making a difference to young lives as he prepares for his biggest challenge yet

Pádraig O’Hora: ‘There isn’t anything better in this world for your mental health. Just being in the mountains. Because your phone is off. No contact. No worries.’

A few weeks ago, Pádraig O’Hora played for Ballina Stephenites against Ballyhaunis in the Mayo senior football championship. At the final whistle Ballina were comfortable winners, their task complete. But for O’Hora, the day was only starting.

“Then I got in the kayak. Kayaked the whole way across the lake — took an hour and a half. Then I got

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