THE hiker injured in a fall at Slieve League yesterday has thanked his rescuers for saving his life.
Cormac Nolan, a 28-year-old from Carlow, said that he and his family were grateful to the various rescue teams who went to his aid.
He was on a day trip to Co Donegal on New Year’s Day to see the cliffs when he slipped and fell 300 metres over the cliff, coming to rest on a ledge.
He was rescued in the early hours of this morning and taken to Sligo General Hospital but was released after treatment today.
In a statement issued by his sister Bridget, Mr Nolan said: “My family and I would like to sincerely thank all the groups of people involved in the rescue. The Donegal Mountain Rescue Team, Sligo Leitrim Mountain Rescue Team, Killybegs Coastguard, Malin head Coastgaurd Co-ordination station, Sligo based Coastguard helicopter Aranmor lifeboat, Killybegs Gardai, Paramedics & Doctor, the local priest & members of the local community.
“It was an extremely long and difficult rescue effort. It must have taken a lot of team work & coordination to pull it off.
“A lot of people risked their own lives in order to save mine. Without the presence of all these people & teams I might not have made it.
“The work that these people do, many of whom are volunteers, is clearly invaluable. We all feel incredibly grateful.”
He added: “My family & I would also like to thank all of our friends for their help & support.”
