A Cork woman is just days from gaining the title of becoming the first Irish woman to reach the South Pole.

Dr Clare O' Leary, who already holds the honour of being the first Irishwoman to climb Mount Everest and to complete the seven summits, embarked on an expedition to walk to the South Pole over 50 days ago.

The 35-year-old is part of a team of four, which is being by Corkman Pat Falvey, who as part of their challenge have already travelled in the region of 1,000km with each member hauling a sledge weighing in excess of 150 kg and Clare, who weighs just over 50kgs lugging a sleigh weighing 90kg. At the time of going to print the team were just days from reaching their endpoint, being less than 160km from the pole and in turn from becoming the first Irish team to walk to the South Pole.

The latest information from the camp showed the team had reached the same point achieved by one of their heroes, Irishman Sir Ernest Shackleton in 1909, 98 nautical miles from the pole on New Year's Day and that the team were confident of reaching the pole despite the terrible weather, serious injuries and soft snow that had made their journey more arduous.

Travelling in the region of 20km a day, it's hoped that the team will reach the pole in the next week.

Dr Clare O'Leary is originally from Bandon and is a specialist in gastroenterology and general internal medicine. She is currently based in South Tipperary General Hospital, Clonmel, where she works as a consultant.

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