The Donegal Mountain Rescue team were involved in the many rescue missions on a busy day at Croagh Patrick in Mayo yesterday.
There was a total of 15 injuries and incidents on the mountain as thousands attempted to climb to the top for the annual pilgrimage.
Every year on the final Sunday in July, Reek Sunday sees people scaling the mountain as part of a traditional pilgrimage. At least 20,000 people took part in this year’s climb, many of whom attempt the walk barefoot.
Image: Mayo Mountain Rescue
Conditions on Croagh Patrick were extreme as rain lashed the mountain and strong winds made climbing particularly difficult.
Volunteer responders in Donegal Mountain Rescue provided cover in a large scale operation involving many teams from across Ireland, the PSNI and helicopters from the Irish Air Corp and Coastguard.
“Extremely heavy persistent showers this evening mean both the path and the cone are very rough under foot,” commented a DMR spokesperson.
Image: Mayo Mountain Rescue
Rescues included a 70-year-old man who suffered a heart attack and was airlifted by Coast Guard helicopter 118 to Galway University Hospital.
A 74 year old male suffered from exhaustion and hyperthermia at the front of Croagh Patrick.
A 68 year old male suffered a broken left wrist. A 46 year old male sustained serious upper body injuries, dislocated shoulder and facial injuries.
Other injuries included exhaustion, knee injuries, head injuries and nausea. Many casualties were assessed at an on-site medical tent before being evacuated.
Image: Mayo Mountain Rescue
Mayo Mountain Rescue thanked all teams who assisted their missions.
“Our thanks to all the Mountain Rescue volunteers who came from across Ireland for Reek Sunday. Galway, SEMRA, Sligo/Leitrim, Donegal, Dublin/Wicklow, Glen of Imaal, North West, Mournes. And indeed to ICRO and the PSNI team. Great work, great to have you with us,” a statement read.
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