Getting to know Ian McKeever, 7 Summits Challenger, Lecturer in PR and Broadcaster
Ian Mc Keever, formerly Public Relations & Brand manager with Shire Pharmaceuticals Ireland, is an experienced lecturer in public relations as well as a radio broadcaster. He worked through much of the late 1990s with Today FM and Road Watch and is now a presenter with Dublin’s Country Mix 106.8.
In December 2006, Ian will embark on a record breaking attempt to climb the seven highest mountain peaks in the world. He aims to complete the challenge on or before the 10th July 2007. Less than 100 people have ever succeeded in the seven summits challenge, so this is a huge task.
As if the seven summits challenge wasn’t enough, Ian recently completed a record breaking 100 hour challenge - climbing all 26 peaks in Ireland in under 100 hours.
In 1995, Ian voluntarily began ‘Operation Rudolph’ which for 10 years raised hundreds of thousands of Euro for good causes. In 2002, Operation Rudolph partnered with Ulster Bank to set a new world record for the largest mural ever made. The mural was made out of 1.6 million coins and the €75,000 value of the coins was donated to beneficiaries including the ISPCC and the Alzheimer Society of Ireland.
Ian lives at Lough Dan, Co. Wicklow.
Keep up to date on the latest news from Ian’s challenge at http://www.takemehigher.ie
1. This is quite simply the most awe inspiring challenge anyone could take on.How does it feel to be a few short months away from the beginning?
As I write this I am about to try and run up and down every one of the 26 peaks in the 32 counties of Ireland in under 100 hours!!. In truth I am scared but thrilled to have this wonderful honour and unique opportunity courtesy of Ulster Bank. I am not a climber in the true sense of the word, but for me this is a dream come true and I intend to make the very most of every single moment
2. Reinhold Messner says “Mountains are not fair or unfair - they are just dangerous.” What is the most dangerous situation you have ever faced on a climb?
I faced a ‘white out’ on 2 occassions, which was a little surreal, not knowing where you are or where you are going naturally, without the aid of a compass/GPS. I’ve also been in situations where not wearing goggles could have cost me my eysight but for having a better and more experienced climber with me.
3. What does your typical days training consist of ?
Up to the 100 hour challenge its been about stamina, speed and endurance. Come July its going to be all about hundreds and hundreds of miles of time on the hills with a 90 K ruc sac… There will be a lot of bulking up work to be done in the gym, as you lose so much weight on the bigger mountains.; I’ll need to put on an extra 16lbs of muslce before I go in December.
4. When did your climbing career begin and is it now a full time occupation for you?
I’m not really a climber and to call myself one would be a disservice to those who really are, whom I admire so much, the likes of Hinkman and Bonnington. I also am holding down 3 jobs to pay the bills, so I work like everyone else. However, about 7 years ago it all began on mountains for me in my own small way. Capturing the world record for the 5 peaks of Britain and Ireland in 2004, gave me the self belief to think I could attempt this world record for the 7 summits and actually make it!
5. When you stand at the foot of a mountain you are about to climb, do you say a prayer for safe passage ?
An old girl friend of mine, Catherine Dunphy, taught me a great deal about mountains and their place in this world. She made me realise that you have to respect a mountain and always give thanks for safe passage on the other side. So yes I do always say a small prayer and always carry a special gemstone for luck. Not bad eh for a converted cynic!
6. How did you choose which charities to benefit from the challenge?
That was easy. Two wonderful women at the helm of both charities that I picked. Luckily too I’ve had the chance to help lots of charities over the past ten years or so. Sr Jean Quinn whose vision inspired the setting up of Sophia Housing for the homeless and Professor Moira O’ Brien who founded the Irish Osteoporosis Society. She’s a real legend and these are two of the people I admire most in this world
7. What comfort/luxury foods will you take with you on the 7 Summits challenge?
Funny thing is there no such thing as a luxury food on these mountains. In other words altitude can affect different people in different ways and mean that they can eat only certain things which become more palatable like cheese or ham. But you can bet there’ll be lots and lots of kit kat with me!
8. Is climbing a mountain a spiritual experience as well as a physical one?
Anyone who climbs a mountain without acknowledging the difference hasn’t really climbed in my opinion. You must learn to let go of your ego on a mountain.
9. What is your favourite climb in County Wicklow?
I train in Glendalough/Camaderry - a very special place for me. But for getting out there it has to be the lug (Lugnaquilla) from the Glen of Imaal approach!
10. Complete this sentence. Happiness is…
Being safe in the knowledge that you have nothing to prove to anyone else but yourself and knowing that you do not need anyone elses approval to be yourself always.
One Response to “Getting to know Ian McKeever, 7 Summits Challenger, Lecturer in PR and Broadcaster”
July 2nd, 2007 at 10:04 pm
[…] Read the interview with Ian on Wicklow.com back on July 4th 2006. […]
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