2009

Tuesday, December 29, 2009. Carrauntoohil, Assistance
The Team received a report from Tralee Gardai that two people had become disorientated on their descent from the summit in near white-out conditions. Phone contact was made with the pair and from their description, aided by a brief clearance, their location was established. They were then able to make their way safely off the mountain and the Team was stood down.

Friday, December 25, 2009. Clonkeen, Assistance
Late in the evening the Team were requested by Killarney Gardai to come to the assistance of a family who had become stranded on a treacherously icy section of the Cork road after their vehicle could move no further. A Team member successfully evacuated the family using a Team Landrover.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009. Carrauntoohil, Alert
The Team was alerted by a concerned walker that two people he had met earlier in the day had not returned to Lisleibane. Locals confirmed that a vehicle was still in the car park at 8.00pm. From the description given the Team correctly identified the people involved and was able to establish that all was well.

Monday, November 23, 2009. Carrauntoohil, Alert
Gardai contacted the Team at 17.30 following a report that two walkers, who had left to climb Corrán Tuathail at 9.00am, were overdue and could not be contacted by phone. As the Team were preparing to respond a further report was received that the pair had turned up safe and well.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009. Carrauntoohil, Assistance
The Team were contacted by Gardai after a couple reported that they had become disorientated on descent from the mountain and were in need of help. On contacting the pair by phone it was established that they were not in Cummeenoughter as they believed, but instead were in Coomloughra. They were directed towards the Hydro track and the Team stood by until it was confirmed that the pair were safely down to the public road.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009. Carrauntoohil, Alert
The alarm was raised shortly after 20.00, after a solo walker who had last been seen high on the mountain at 15.30 had failed to return. An advance party was tasked with carrying out a preliminary search whilst the rest of the Team were put on standby. A full callout was subsequently launched at 21.00 however shortly after this the advance party located the man making his way out of the Hag’s Glen in deteriorating weather.

Sunday, October 25, 2009. Annascaul, Assistance
The Team were alerted by a local mountaineering club after one of their members developed a medical condition in the Annascaul area. The Team were mobilised and requested assistance from the Shannon Coast Guard helicopter. As the first Team members were approaching the scene the helicopter succeeded in airlifting the casualty to Kerry General Hospital.

Sunday, October 4, 2009. Eskduff, Rescue
The Team were mobilised following an incident on Eskduff in which a local climber suffered a substantial fall, sustaining a serious head injury. The Shannon Coast Guard helicopter was also mobilised, and succeeded in airlifting the casualty following first aid treatment from Team members at the scene. The casualty was subsequently admitted to the intensive care unit at Kerry General Hospital.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009. Bealagh Oisin, Rescue
Gardai contacted the Team after a young local solo walker reported that he was exhausted, unwell and unable to continue in the Coombaha area. The Shannon-based Irish Coast Guard helicopter was requested to assist and arrived at the scene simultaneously with the main contingent of Team members. The precise location of the young man was unclear, however by maintaining phone contact with him it was possible to guide the helicopter to his location. He was subsequently winched to the helicopter in fading light and transferred to an ambulance at Kerry Airport.

Friday, September 25, 2009. McGillycuddy Reeks, Alert
A hotel raised the alarm shortly after midnight following a report that one of their guests was in difficulty on the Reeks. Prior to full mobilisation of the Team the man contacted Gardai to say that he was no longer in need of assistance. It was subsequently established that the same individual has been the subject of two prior rescues, on 21st November 2008 and 5th June 2003.

Thursday, September 24, 2009. Torc, Rescue
The Team were contacted with a report that a couple who had strayed from the path on the North face of Torc were unable to find their way down. The couple were able to give a grid reference and several Team members made their way to the location and walked the couple off to safety.

Sunday, September 13, 2009. McGillycuddy Reeks, Alert
A report was received just before 20.00 that a Czech walker had failed to return to his car having gone climbing in the Reeks the previous day. An advance party went to investigate and shortly after arriving on scene the missing person turned up safe and well.

Sunday, September 13, 2009. Brandon, Rescue
A Team member walking on Brandon was called on to assist a walker who had sustained minor injuries following a brief blackout. The casualty was subsequently short-roped safely to the base of the mountain.

Monday, August 31, 2009. Brandon, Referral
Tralee Gardai contacted the Team with a report of two German walkers in difficulty on steep ground on Mount Brandon. Dingle Coast Guard Unit were contacted, and in conjunction with the Shannon Coast Guard Rescue Helicopter they succeeded in evacuating the walkers.

Sunday, August 30, 2009. Ardgroom, Assistance
The Team were contacted with a report that a walker had sustained multiple injuries following a serious fall near Ardgroom. Castletownbere Coast Guard Unit were also tasked to respond, and as the Team arrived on the scene Castletownbere were transferring the casualty to an ambulance. The casualty was subsequently airlifted to hospital in Limerick.

Friday, August 28, 2009. Carrauntoohil, Rescue
Killarney Gardai contacted the Team at approximately 22.00 following a report that a party was in difficulty on Corrán Tuathail. On contacting the group it was established that one of them was suffering from a lower leg injury and that they were unsure of their exact position, although an approximate location was established. On reaching the scene a compound fracture of the lower leg was treated and the injured person was stretchered from the mountain, before being transferred to an ambulance at approximately 4.00am. The remaining three persons were walked from the mountain.

Sunday, August 9, 2009. Lauragh, Alert
Gardai contacted the team following a report of a female who had sustained an ankle fracture in the Lauragh area. As the Team was mobilising she was successfully evacuated by quad bike.

Sunday, August 2, 2009. Carrauntoohil, Rescue
The Team were contacted after a large party were unable to find their way down from the summit in poor weather and several party members began to display signs of hypothermia. On returning to the summit the group met an experienced walker who assisted them part of the way down the mountain until they were met by Team members who escorted them the remainder of the way.

Monday, July 20, 2009. Coomloughra, Rescue
A party of two walkers became cragfast on steep ground at the back of Coomloughra, after they had erroneously tried to descend directly into Coomloughra from the col between Cathair and Carrauntoohil. Team members were able to climb to their location and assist them from the mountain with the aid of ropes.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009. The Paps, Assistance
The Team was contacted by Kanturk Gardai with a report that an adult and two children were disorientated in thick mist on one of the Paps and were unsure of their descent route. Contact was made with the party and it was established that they had subsequently commenced a descent after the mist had lifted slightly. Regular phone contact was maintained until the party were safely off the hill.

Thursday, June 25, 2009. Inisfallen Island, Referral
Tralee Ambulance Control contacted the Team with a report of a man who had suffered a broken leg on Inisfallen Island. The call was passed on to Killarney Water Rescue and the Team stood by to offer assistance should it be required.

Thursday, May 28, 2009. Dinis, Referral
Killarney Gardai contacted the Team with a report of a party in difficulties between Tomies Wood and Dinis Cottage. When contact was made with the group it was established that they were trapped on the lakeshore in the Glena area. The call was passed to the Killarney Water Rescue group who successfully located the party and evacuated them by boat.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009. Killarney National Park, Alert
The Team was contacted by Gardai following a report that a French walker had not returned from a walk in Killarney National Park. The man was located by Gardai prior to full mobilisation of the Team.

Friday, April 10, 2009. Carrauntoohil, Assistance
Two Team members making their way up to the location of the previous callout encountered an elderly solo walker who was severely shaken and had sustained injuries following a fall from one of the rock steps below the first level. He was escorted safely to the valley floor before the team members continued on towards the second level.

Friday, April 10, 2009. Carrauntoohil, Rescue
Killarney Gardai contacted the Team following a report of a female walker suffering a debilitating medical condition (severe headaches and vomiting) at Cummeenoughter lake. The Irish Coast Guard rescue helicopter was requested to assist and in an impressive piece of flying succeeded in airlifting a medical and stretcher party into the second level, from where they made their way to the casualty location. Following first aid treatment the casualty was lowered by stretcher down to the second level from where the Coast Guard helicopter was able to winch her out and complete the evacuation to hospital in Tralee.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009. Kerry Way, Alert
The Team were contacted by a party walking the Kerry Way between Glenbeigh and Caherciveen after one of the group had become separated from the rest. The missing person subsequently turned up safe and well prior to full mobilisation of the Team.

Saturday, April 4, 2009. Carrauntoohil, Rescue
In a callout remarkably similar to the previous one a party of five made a navigational error on the descent from Carrauntoohil late in the day and became cragfast below the Heavenly Gates track, close to Luigi’s Gully. The party were located with the aid of camera flashes and team members then abseiled to the ledge on which the group were perched and proceeded to evacuate the climbers with the aid of jumars. The party finally reached the valley floor in approaching daylight.

Saturday, March 14, 2009. Carrauntoohil, Rescue
A party of three female walkers became cragfast in a very exposed location below the Heavenly Gates track after having apparently failed to locate the track on their descent from the summit. In a difficult operation on treacherous ground and in failing light, a small KMRT party succeeded in climbing up to the walkers and roping them up to the Heavenly Gates track, where they were met by further Team members for the descent down the track to the valley floor.

Saturday, March 14, 2009. Carrauntoohil, Alert
A passer-by contacted the Team after encountering a walker who had slipped on descending the Devil’s Ladder and dislocated his shoulder. The injured person indicated that he would continue to descend with the aid of his companion however the caller was concerned that progress was very slow. The Team decided to monitor the situation closely prior to deciding whether to launch a full callout, however shortly after this the Team was notified of a further incident on Carrauntoohil (see below). As the Team made their way into the Hag’s Glen for the new incident, the injured walker was met walking out. Although he was in considerable discomfort he indicated that he was happy to continue walking out with his companion.

Saturday, March 14, 2009. Doonshean, Dingle, Referral
The Team were alerted following a report that a climber had been injured after being swept off her belay stance into the sea by a large wave. The call was passed on to the Dingle Coast Guard Rescue Team due to their geographic proximity to the incident and the fact that water-based personnel may also have been required.

Friday, March 6, 2009. Short Mountain, Alert
The Team were contacted by Tralee Gardai following reports of two flares being sighted in the Short Mountain area. After further investigations by Gardai the alert was stood down.

Friday, February 27, 2009 – Saturday, February 28, 2009. Carrauntoohil, Fatality
A preliminary search was commenced on the evening of 27th following reports that a solo climber had failed to meet up with friends as arranged. This phase of the search was suspended at midnight and a more comprehensive search involving the Irish Coast Guard helicopter and members of local clubs was organised for first light. At approximately 10.00am the man’s remains were located in the second level by the Coast Guard helicopter, having apparently sustained a fatal fall from the Hag’s Tooth Ridge area. The remains were subsequently lowered to the first level from where they were airlifted to Kerry General Hospital.

Sunday, February 22, 2009. Glenteenassig, Alert
The Team received a report from a hillwalking party who were concerned that one of the group was suffering from near exhaustion. It was established that they were close to a roadway and contact was maintained with them until the point at which the person was transferred to an ambulance.

Sunday, February 15, 2009. Carrauntoohil, Alert
A report was received that a climber was in difficulty in Central Gully, however prior to full mobilisation of the Team a subsequent report was received stating that she was no longer in need of assistance.

Monday, February 9, 2009. Lugnaquilla, Assistance
A contingent of Team members travelled to Wicklow to assist Dublin-Wicklow MRT and Glen of Imaal MRT in the search for and subsequent rescue of two climbers stranded on Lugnaquilla overnight.

Sunday, February 1, 2009. Hags Glen, Search
Gardai were alerted after concerned local people noted that a German-registered car had been left overnight at Lisleibane. A limited team response was launched and the owners of the car were located at the ‘first level’ where they had been camping.

2008

Sunday, December 7, 2008. McGillycuddy Reeks, Alert
At 06.45am a lone walker raised the alarm after becoming lost and disorientated following an incident during which he believed his tent had blown away. A short time later he contacted the Team to say that he had relocated his tent and did not now require assistance.

Sunday, November 30, 2008. Gougane Barra, Assistance
The Team was alerted by Macroom Gardai after two people had reported that they were lost in the Gougane Barra area. The Team subsequently made contact with the couple who said that they had now ascertained their position. The Team remained in regular contact until the pair confirmed that they were safely off the hill.

Friday, November 21, 2008. McGillycuddy Reeks, Rescue
Gardai were contacted by a hotel saying that a guest had been night walking alone on the Reeks ridge. He had left an accurate route card and had been making regular check-in phone calls with the hotel as arranged, however these had ceased after a final call from Cnoc na Peiste at approximately 5.00am. The Team mobilised for a search and finally located the man several hours later on the summit of Cruach Mhór. It is not known what the man had been doing in the intervening time, but it is noteworthy that the Team had been called out to search for the same individual in a remarkably similar incident on 5th June 2003.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008. Hags Glen, Alert
Gardai contacted the team following a report that walkers in the Hags Glen area had heard shouts for help. On contacting the group it was established that they were travelling in the direction of the shouts and would report if anything further was heard. Contact was again made with the group some time later and they reported that they had not heard anything further and now believed that what they heard may have been a bird. As conditions were calm and clear and nobody was reported overdue it was decided that no further action was required.

Sunday, November 2, 2008, Alert
Shortly after the last alert was stood down the team was contacted by Tralee Gardai to report that a parent had become concerned that a daughter, on an outdoor adventure weekend, had failed to call home as arranged. Contact was made with a local course provider and it was established that the person was with her group and was safe and well.

Saturday, November 1, 2008 – Sunday, November 2, 2008. Coomloughra, Alert
Local people notified Gardai late on 1st November after a car had been left at the bottom of the Hydro track. A small contingent of Team members drove up the hydro track as it was felt that the owners of the car may be camping in Coomloughra but noted nothing unusual and heard no replies to their shouts. A full scale search was organised for the morning of 2nd, but just as the team were about to commence the search two men arrived in a second car and said that they were there to collect the original one. The callout was stood down.

Saturday, September 27, 2008. Carrauntoohil, Rescue
The team was contacted by Tralee Gardai after 3 members of the Glen of Imaal MRT had come across an injured walker on Carrauntoohil. A full callout was initiated and the Shannon Coast Guard rescue helicopter was requested to assist. The person had fallen on one of the rocky steps below the ‘first level’ and had sustained head and suspected spinal injuries. KMRT members arrived at the casualty site as the helicopter arrived on scene. With assistance from the Glen of Imaal MRT members, the casualty was loaded onto a stretcher which was winched into the helicopter. He was subsequently transferred to Cork University Hospital for treatment.

Saturday, August 30, 2008. Cummeen na Peiste, Rescue
At 16.00 a report was received that a female German solo climber had fallen from the Cummeen na Peasta ridge, close to the ‘Big Gun’. On contacting the girl it was established that she had fallen approximately 25 metres and had sustained multiple injuries including a severe knee injury and was unable to walk. A full callout was immediately launched and the Irish Coast Guard rescue helicopter was requested to assist. In very trying conditions they succeeded in airlifting six team members close to the casualty site, thereby saving valuable time, however deteriorating conditions meant that the helicopter was unable to play a further role. The climber was subsequently treated by the team and stretcher lowered from the mountain in a difficult operation. She was eventually transferred to an ambulance at 1.00am for the journey to hospital.

Thursday, August 28, 2008. Gap of Dunloe, Alert
The alarm was raised after a female became separated from her family in the Gap of Dunloe and could not be found. A callout was launched but shortly afterwards it was established that the girl was safe and well.

Sunday, August 10, 2008. Short Mountain, Alert
A report was received that a solo walker was overdue in the Short Mountain area. As the situation was being discussed with the man’s family he turned up safe and well.

Tuesday, August 5, 2008. Carrauntoohil, Rescue
At 1.00am a call was received that a party of 5 teenagers and a middle aged man were in difficulties on the Devil’s Ladder in poor weather. A full callout was immediately initiated and subsequent investigations revealed that the party were actually in the Coomloughra area and not on the Devil’s Ladder as they believed. The Team reached the party and became concerned about the welfare of the older man who was suffering from severe exhaustion and hypothermia. He was subsequently stretchered from the mountain and transferred to an awaiting Coast Guard Helicopter for a flight to Kerry General Hospital while the remainder of the party were walked from the mountain, arriving down at approximately 8.30am.

Monday, August 4, 2008. Brandon, Search (Fatality)
A contingent of Team members responded to a request for assistance from Dingle Coast Guard Rescue Team in the search for an elderly man who had gone missing in the Brandon area. The man’s remains were subsequently located by another search team on 5/8/08.

Saturday, July 26, 2008. Mangerton, Alert
A call was received from a solo walker who had become disorientated in the Stoompa area. The Team co-ordinator attempted to ‘talk him down’ by giving descent directions over the telephone, however despite the fact that visibility was good and he was following a compass bearing over relatively easy ground he continued to encounter difficulties. When he claimed to be nearing exhaustion and requested a helicopter evacuation a full callout was initiated, however as the Team were assembling word was received that the man was now making better progress and further assistance would not be required.

Sunday, June 29, 2008. Brandon, Referral
The Team received a call from Tralee Gardai saying that a 68 year old man has sustained a laceration to his head following a stumble high on Mount Brandon, although the individual was still able to walk. The Team contacted the Dingle Coast Guard who sent some people to assist the man off the hill.

Monday, June 9, 2008. Hungry Hill, Assistance
The Team were contacted by Valentia Coast Guard following reports that a female walker had sustained a broken leg on Hungry Hill. Castletownbere CCR were responding to the call but felt that they would need assistance from KMRT. As the Team arrived at Hungry Hill word was received that the casualty had just been successfully evacuated by Castletownbere.

Sunday, June 1, 2008 – Monday, June 2, 2008. Hags Glen, Rescue
Tralee Gardai contacted the team just before midnight to report that 3 walkers had been overtaken by darkness and fog on their descent from Carrauntoohil. On contacting the group it was established that they were most likely in the Hag’s Glen area. A party was despatched and succeeded in locating the group with the aid of camera flashes.

Sunday, June 1, 2008. Old Kenmore Road, Alert
The Team received a call that a mountain biker had fallen on the Old Kenmare Road about 3km from the car park and had sustained a shoulder injury. While the team was mobilising the group contacted us to say that he was able to walk back to the Torc car park where an ambulance was dispatched to meet him.

Monday, May 5, 2008. Carrauntoohil, Alert
Gardai contacted the Team following reports of a solo walker overdue from an ascent of Carrauntoohil. As the Team Co-ordinator was discussing the situation with Gardai they received a further report that he had turned up safe and well.

Tuesday, March 25, 2008. Tomies/Shehy, Rescue
The Team were contacted after a pair of American walkers became benighted in Rhododendron in the Tomies/Shehy area. They were subsequently located with the use of camera flashes and were walked from the mountain.

Saturday, March 22, 2008. Wicklow, Search (Fatality)
A contingent of KMRT members travelled to Co. Wicklow to assist Dublin-Wicklow MRT and Glen of Imaal MRT in a large scale search for a missing walker. KMRT were tasked with searching the northern part of Mullacleavaun mountain. The remains of the elderly walker were located on Black Hill in an area being searched by Sligo-Leitrim MRT.

Saturday, March 15, 2008. Carrauntoohil, Search
Gardai contacted the Team at 21.30 after receiving a report that a despondent male had telephoned his family to say that he had taken an overdose and gone for a walk up the mountain. He had now decided to return to his car but had become benighted and was struggling to find his way down. An advance party of the Team began to trace the man’s likely route but soon afterwards it was reported that the man had managed to find his way to Cronin’s Yard. The callout was stood down.

Sunday, February 10, 2008. Bantry, Referral
A report was received that a quad-biker had sustained an injury in the Bantry area. As the incident location was at low altitude and was geographically closer to Castletownbere Coast Guard Rescue Team, the incident was referred on to them.

Friday, February 1, 2008. Foley’s Glen, Fatality (non-mountain)
The Team were contacted after the car of a despondent male had been located in Foley’s Glen. A search was organised for first light, and the man’s body was located shortly after the search commenced. The remains were subsequently brought to the road.

Sunday, January 27, 2008. Carrauntoohil, Rescue
The Team were alerted after a female walker sustained a head injury following a fall in the vicinity of the ‘Heavenly Gates’. She subsequently recovered somewhat and was able to walk to the valley floor with the assistance of Team members and companions, from where she was transported by Landrover to the roadhead.

Friday, January 11, 2008. McGillycuddy Reeks, Alert
A local person expressed concern about a car that had been parked at one of the access points to the Reeks for several days. Subsequent investigations revealed that the car belonged to visitors who were staying locally and no further action was required.

2007/h2>

Saturday, December 29, 2007. Carrauntoohil, Rescue
Two walkers became seriously disorientated on descending from the summit, eventually becoming benighted and cragfast close to the ‘Step’ route from where they raised the alarm. It was initially unclear exactly where the pair had ended up, as they had originally intended descending via the Devil’s Ladder and after getting lost had subsequently tried to find their way to the ‘Heavenly Gates’ track. Team members surrounded the north and east faces of the mountain and following a process of elimination during several periods of shouting, the position of the pair was pinpointed. Team members climbed to the location and roped the pair back to the summit, from where they were escorted out, reaching the valley floor shortly after midnight.

Sunday, October 7, 2007 – Monday, October 8, 2007. Curraghmore, Double Rescue
A report was received at 7.30pm that two climbers had fallen after becoming disorientated in mist on the descent from Carrauntoohil. The initial report suggested that they may have been in the Coimín na Péasta area however this was discounted after speaking with them by mobile phone, and they were subsequently located high above Curraghmore Lake. Both were suffering from multiple injuries after falling about 25 feet and a major callout was launched which included the Team’s reserve list. In all about 50 members and reserves mobilised and following a complex stretcher evacuation through the night they were transferred to ambulances at 4am and 5am respectively for transport to Kerry General Hospital. The pair were extremely fortunate not to have sustained a much longer and possibly fatal fall.

Friday, October 5, 2007. McGillycuddy Reeks, Alert
Two walkers raised the alarm after encountering difficulties and becoming disorientated on the Reeks ridge. The Team mobilised and were assembling in the Black Valley when the walkers turned up in a car driven by a local person after they had made their own way down from the ridge and knocked on the door of a house.

Sunday, September 30, 2007. Gap of Dunloe, Alert
A member of the public reported that he had seen a flare near the Head of the Gap and had heard whistles from a different location in the Gap. As nobody had been reported overdue a limited response was initiated to check for parked cars and further signs of distress. It was subsequently deemed that no further action was required. The whistles were thought to be from rutting sika stags but the report of a flare remains unexplained.

Saturday, September 22, 2007. Camp, Referral
Tralee Ambulance Control contacted the Team for advice following a call from a man whose companion had become unwell 3 hours after setting off from Blennerville on the Dingle Way. As this part of the Dingle Way is quite close to the surfaced road it was suggested that the Dingle Coast Guard Team would provide the swiftest response due to their geographical proximity to the incident. No further action from KMRT was required.

Tuesday, September 11, 2007 – Wednesday, September 12, 2007. Hags Glen, Rescue
Shortly before midnight a report was received that a party of 16 were long overdue after setting out to climb Carrauntoohil at 10.30am. Phone contact was made with the group and it was established that they were slowly descending from Cnoc Broinne into the Hag’s Glen after having been severely delayed earlier in the day. Although they were not at immediate risk it was deemed prudent to dispatch a small number of Team members to meet up with the party and ensure that they made it down from the hill safely. The Team members met up with the party and escorted them from the hill, arriving into the Hag’s Glen at approximately 5.00am.

Saturday, September 8, 2007. Carrauntoohil, Alert
Late in the evening the Team were made aware that a car had been left close to Lisleibane. As nobody had been reported overdue and there was no further information available it was decided to standby and monitor the situation. It was later discovered that the car was no longer there and the alert was stood down.

Wednesday, September 5, 2007. Carrauntoohil, Rescue
A report was received via Killarney Gardai that a walker had suffered a suspected heart attack close to Cummeenoughter lake. The Irish Coast Guard helicopter was called but was unable to gain direct access to the casualty due to his enclosed location. It did however airlift Team members part of the way up the mountain from where they made their way to the scene, administered first aid and commenced a roped stretcher lower to the ‘first level’ from where the casualty was winched into the helicopter for rapid transport to hospital.

Sunday, September 2, 2007. McGillycuddy Reeks, Rescue
The Team was informed by Killarney Gardai that a party of three was in difficulty in thick fog on the Eastern Reeks. After a night search the party were located close to Cnoc na Péista and were assisted from the mountain.

Friday, August 31, 2007. Purple Mountain, Rescue
A report was received that a man had sustained an ankle injury on the southern flank of Purple Mountain and was unable to walk. The Team mobilised and were able to locate the casualty using compass bearings that the party had followed. Following first aid treatment the man was evacuated by Coast Guard helicopter to Kerry General Hospital.

Monday, August 27, 2007. Carrauntoohil, Alert
Gardai contacted the Team with a report that a 999 operator had received a call from a walker who may have been in distress but that the caller had been cut off and could not be re-contacted. After several attempts contact was made with the man who was safe and well but overdue, and was afraid that his family waiting at the foot of the mountain may have called out the Team unnecessarily.

Thursday, August 23, 2007. Mangerton, Alert
The Team was contacted at 22.30 with a report that a party was overdue on an ascent of Mangerton. Before the Team was fully mobilised the people in question turned up safe and well.

Thursday, August 23, 2007. Mangerton, Rescue
A report was received that a walker had sustained a broken ankle after a simple slip close to the Devil’s Punch Bowl. The man was treated and stretchered down the mountain to a point below the cloud base from where he was evacuated to Kerry General Hospital by Coast Guard Helicopter. He subsequently underwent surgery on his badly broken ankle.

Tuesday, August 21, 2007. Carrauntoohil, Alert
The Team were mobilised following two separate reports of cries for help on Carrauntoohil. On arriving at the scene it was ascertained that a local farmer had been rounding up sheep in the area and in addition a particularly vocal goat was present in the location referred to by callers. As no further cries for help were heard the callout was stood down.

Wednesday, August 15, 2007. Barley Lake, Alert
Following on from the previous callout, later in the evening the Team were notified that some family members who had been searching for the boy had also not yet returned from the mountain. The Team stood by for some time until it was confirmed that everybody involved had safely descended.

Wednesday, August 15, 2007. Barley Lake, Alert
The Team were notified that a ten year old boy had become separated from his family in the Barley Lake area. As the Team were making their way to the area the boy turned up safe and well.

Wednesday, August 8, 2007. Conor Pass, Assistance
The Team were contacted following a report that a man had become cragfast high above Peddlers Lake. Dingle Coast Guard Rescue Team had attempted to reach the man but had experienced difficulties and the Coast Guard helicopter was also unable to carry out a rescue. The Team made its way to the scene and discovered that the Dingle Coast Guard Team had now reached the man and were in the process of winching him from the Cliff. KMRT stood by at the scene until the rescue was successfully completed.

Wednesday, August 8, 2007 – Thursday, August 9, 2007. Carrauntoohil, Rescue
Killarney Gardai informed the Team that an 82 year old female and a 16 year old male walker were overdue following an ascent of Carrauntoohil. The Team were mobilised and the pair were located after a brief search and escorted from the mountain.

Tuesday, July 10, 2007. Brandon, Alert
A report was received from Valentia Coast Guard that an elderly man had fallen high on Brandon and was injured. The Team was put on standby as weather conditions were good and the Coast Guard helicopter was in the vicinity. The Team was stood down when it was confirmed that the helicopter had successfully evacuated the casualty.

Friday, July 6, 2007. Hungry Hill, Referral
Bantry Gardai contacted the Team following a report from a German walker that he had become cragfast 100m below the summit of Hungry Hill. The Team contacted Castletownbere Coast Guard Rescue Team, and following discussions it was decided that they would respond to the call because of their geographical proximity to the location, while KMRT remained on standby until it was confirmed that the walker had been successfully assisted from the mountain.

Saturday, June 9, 2007. Lauragh, Assistance
The Team received a call via Killarney Gardai stating that a walker had fallen and sustained head and back injuries in the vicinity of the ‘Pocket’. The Team contacted the Coast Guard and requested the assistance of the rescue helicopter. Castletownbere Coast Guard Rescue Team also responded. As the Team arrived on the scene the helicopter had commenced operations and was successful in winching the casualty on board. He was then flown to Kerry General Hospital.

Saturday, June 9, 2007. Mangerton, Alert
The Team received a call that a female walker was missing on Mangerton. She turned up safe and well in Kilgarvan before the Team was mobilised.

Saturday, June 2, 2007. Mhacha na Bo, Fatality
A report was received from Tralee Gardai that a walker had become separated from a group while walking from Mhacha na Bó to Lough Anascaul. The Team had just commenced a search when word was received that his companions had located the body of the casualty in the Mhacha na Bó river. It appears that he may have slipped and fallen into the swollen river some distance upstream of where the remains were located. The Team subsequently recovered the remains.

Saturday, April 7, 2007. Mullaghanish, Alert
The Team were alerted after a female had gone missing during a short solo walk. As a preliminary party were preparing to mobilise, the lady turned up safe and well.

Sunday, March 11, 2007. Derriana Lough, Alert
The Team received a report from a hill walking party stating that one of their group was suffering from near-exhaustion and that a callout may be required if the situation deteriorated further. The Team were put on standby and close contact was maintained with the group until the individual was safely off the hill.

Sunday, March 4, 2007. Eagle’s Nest, Rescue/Referral
The Team received a report that two walkers had set out from Tomies Wood and were unable to find their way to the Old Weir Bridge. Contact was made by mobile phone and it was established that the easiest access to their location was by boat. The Killarney National Park Rangers were contacted and subsequently ferried the party across the Long Range River and back to the main road.

2006

Thursday, December 28, 2006. Tomies Wood, Rescue
A call was received saying that a party of two adults and four children had become disorientated in darkness and heavy rain in the Tomies Wood area. Following a mobile phone conversation during which their position was established, a Team landrover was dispatched to bring them to safety.

Sunday, December 3, 2006. Gougane Barra, Search
Macroom Gardai contacted the Team at 3.00am after a solo walker failed to return to his car in Gougane Barra. An initial search of the Gougane Barra horseshoe commenced at first light, and was being extended to outlying areas when word was received that the man had turned up safe and well in Kilgarvan after spending the night on the mountain in appalling weather. He had apparently attended mass in Kilgarvan before contacting his family to let them know he was safe. The Team was stood down at approximately midday.

Sunday, November 12, 2006. Carrauntoohil, Alert
The Team were alerted at 18.30 after a walker who had parted from his companion on the summit of Carrauntoohil earlier in the day had failed to arrive at the foot of the mountain as arranged. As the Team were preparing to mobilise word was received that the man had turned up safe and well after having apparently made a major navigational error.

Sunday, November 5, 2006. Mangerton, Rescue
The Team received a call through Ambulance Control in Tralee that a female walker had sustained a broken leg on Mangerton. On arriving at the location first aid was administered by the Team before she was stretchered from the hill and transferred to Kerry General Hospital by ambulance.

Thursday, November 2, 2006. Mangerton, Body Recovery
A local sheep farmer discovered old human remains beneath a cliff in an isolated part of the Horses Glen. The remains had apparently been swept down from elsewhere by a mudslide, and the man who found them was certain that they had not been at that location in August 2006. They were subsequently removed by members of KMRT in conjunction with Gardai and locals before being transported to Kerry General Hospital for analysis. The remains were later confirmed to be those of a Swedish walker who went missing in the area in late 2004.

Monday, October 30, 2006. Torc, Rescue
A family group found themselves in difficulty and benighted on the flank of Torc mountain and called for assistance. The Team subsequently located the party (aided by camera flashes from them) and walked them off to safety.

Saturday, October 21, 2006. Mangerton, Alert
The Team was contacted by Tralee Gardai following a report that one member of a party of two was suffering from exhaustion on the summit of Mangerton. By the time phone contact was made with the pair the exhausted person had improved and was able to descend unaided. The Team kept in phone contact until the party had safely arrived at the foot of the mountain.

Sunday, October 1, 2006. Gap of Dunloe, Alert
A report was received that a person had been heard calling for help after encountering difficulties on the Eastern side of the Gap. A local person subsequently went to his assistance and helped him from the mountain therefore no further action from the Team was required.

Wednesday, September 13, 2006. Glaisin na Marbh, Alert
Gardai received a report concerning a tent which had been apparently abandoned for several weeks. The tent was subsequently recovered and delivered to the Gardai. The nature of the tent contents and the fact that nobody had been reported missing led to the view that no further action was required.

Saturday, September 9, 2006. Bridia Valley, Alert
Gardai were contacted when two people went missing in the Bridia valley. A further message was received shortly afterwards to say that the pair had turned up safe and well.

Thursday, August 31, 2006. Carrauntoohil, Assistance
A call was received from two walkers who were disorientated in mist on Carrauntoohil. On contacting the pair by phone it was possible to talk them down to the Devil’s Ladder, and no further action was required.

Tuesday, August 8, 2006. Carrauntoohil, Assistance
The Team were alerted following a report of shouts for help on the southern side of Cathair con Rí. The callout was stood down after it was established that the shouts were not a request for assistance and were thought to be an attempt to listen to an echo.

Monday, August 7, 2006. Carrauntoohil, Rescue
A young walker stumbled whilst descending from the summit of Carrauntoohil, sustaining facial and shoulder injuries. The casualty was able to make his own way from the mountain assisted by Team members, and was subsequently driven to Kerry General Hospital where he was admitted overnight for observation.

Saturday, June 3, 2006. Hags Glen, Alert
Gardai received a report that a female walker had sustained a head injury whilst fording the Gaddagh River. As the Team were en route to the scene, further contact with the party ascertained that she was now walking towards Cronin’s Yard with the assistance of her companions, and the Team’s assistance would not now be required.

Tuesday, May 16, 2006. Derrycunnihy, Alert
The Team received a report that a walker had sustained a suspected broken leg in the Galway’s Bridge area. Whilst the Team were en-route to the location word was received that the casualty had been assisted to the road and was being transferred to hospital by car.

Sunday, March 12, 2006. Cloon, Rescue
Gardai alerted the Team at 19.45 following a call from a party of nine walkers who had become benighted on steep ground at the back of Cloon Lake. A full callout was launched and the party were located at midnight. They were subsequently escorted from the mountain, arriving down safely at approximately 3.00am.

Sunday, February 26, 2006. Coomloughra, Alert
The Team were contacted at 3.00am by Cathairciveen Gardai following calls from concerned locals that a hire car had been left close to the bottom of the hydro track. In the absence of any further information the Team were put on standby for a full callout at first light pending further investigations by Gardai. A Team member went to the location in the morning and a chance meeting with another walker revealed that the car had not been there at 4pm the previous evening, suggesting that the occupants may well be camping in the area. This was confirmed a short time later and the callout was stood down.

Sunday, February 19, 2006. Caher/Beenkeragh, Rescue
Killarney Gardai received a call from two walkers at approximately 16.30 saying that they were lost on Cathair mountain and in need of assistance. All subsequent efforts to contact the pair by phone failed. Although the pair were not thought to be injured, there was some concern about their wellbeing due to the bitterly cold icy conditions and biting wind on the mountain at the time. A full night search of Cathair commenced but no trace of the walkers was found, and the search was extended to adjacent areas. Shortly after midnight one of the search teams began a search descent of Brother O’Shea’s Gully and located the pair high up the Cummeenoughter flank of Binn Chaorach. They were subsequently walked from the mountain, arriving down at 02.00.

Sunday, January 29, 2006. Carrauntoohil, Assistance
A call was received from Killarney Gardai saying that 2 Polish nationals had become benighted and disorientated near the base of Carrauntoohil. Contact was made by mobile phone and it was established that the individuals felt that they would be able to safely find their way down to a house whose lights they were looking at. They contacted the Team 30 minutes later to state that they were safe and well.

Wednesday, January 11, 2006. Keel, Referral
A call was received from Killorglin Gardai about a man who had been missing for two days in the Keel area. As the call was non-mountain in nature it was referred on to more appropriate agencies.

Monday, January 2, 2006. Adrigole, Rescue
At approximately 17.30 a report was received that a party consisting of an adult and four children all under 10 years old had been caught out in mist with no map and compass, had ended up on difficult ground in the Hungry Hill area and had become benighted in poor weather. A full callout was launched and the Team made their way to the area, while the local Coast Guard Team commenced a search. After making phone contact with the group it was established that they were closer to Adrigole, however their precise location was unclear and could only be estimated by attempting to match the vague description of their surroundings to features on the map. The main search effort of the Team focused on a coom west of Adrigole and the Team were led to a particular target area by a local landowner. The party were located in this area shortly afterwards and were subsequently given dry clothes, hot drinks and were roped from the mountain in appalling conditions. An ambulance was called as the children were in the early stages of hypothermia, and they were transferred at approximately 23.15.

2005

Tuesday, December 20, 2005. Coomloughra, Assistance
Killarney Gardai received a call from walkers who had been attempting the Coomloughra Horseshoe, had made a navigational error leaving the summit of Carrauntoohil and were now benighted and unsure of their location. The Team Co-ordinator made phone contact with the party and from their description of what they had done and their present surroundings it appeared that they were close to the Lough Acoose road. They were advised to continue on for a bit longer and the Team were put on standby. Shortly afterwards the party confirmed that they had safely reached the road and were returning to their car.

Thursday, December 1, 2005. Carrauntoohil, Fatality
The Team were alerted by Killorglin Gardai at 23.00 on the 30th November with a report that a young English solo walker was missing after failing to return to his family earlier in the evening as planned. He was known to have set out to climb Carrauntoohil from the Coomloughra side at 11.00 on the 29th and a local man who had seen him set off had also reported that his car was still at the same location the following day. A full callout was initiated for first light and the mans remains were subsequently found in the first level of Cummeenoughter, after he had apparently fallen from the NE face of Carrauntoohil. The body was stretchered from the hill and handed over to awaiting Gardai.

Saturday, November 19, 2005. Carrauntoohil, Rescue
Killarney Gardai alerted the Team following a report that a walker had dislocated his knee on the ridge between Cathair and Carrauntoohil, and a full callout was initiated. The Team requested the assistance of the Irish Coast Guard helicopter which was able to carry out a successful evacuation of the casualty.

Friday, November 11, 2005. Tomies, Rescue
The Team received a call through Killarney Garda Station that a party of 5 adults and 2 children were lost in the Tomies/Purple area. Mobile phone contact was made with the party and they were directed to a forestry path where they were met by Team members.

Friday, November 4, 2005. Carrauntoohil, Rescue
Gardai contacted the Team following a report from two walkers saying that they were disorientated on Carrauntoohil in mist and were unable to find their way off the mountain. The co-ordinator contacted the party by mobile phone and was able to ascertain their likely position and direct them part of the way down the mountain. Three Team members were mobilised to meet them and escort them the remainder of the way.

Tuesday, September 13, 2005. Derrycunnihy, Assistance
The Team were contacted by Tralee Ambulance Control with a report of a lady suffering from a cardiac condition in an off-road location in the Queen’s Cottage area. The ambulance crew successfully evacuated the patient as the Team arrived on the scene.

Sunday, September 4, 2005. Carrauntoohil, Rescue
The Team were contacted shortly before 16.00 after a group of four walkers had become disorientated in mist whilst descending from Carrauntoohil and became cragfast on the buttress between the main and left forks of Collins’ Gully. The Team made their way to the area above where the party were stranded and lowered a Team member to their location using a 200 metre cable. The party were subsequently roped from their precarious position back up to safer ground and walked from the mountain in darkness, arriving at the valley floor at approximately 23.00.

Monday, August 15, 2005. McGillycuddy Reeks, Alert
A report was received that a dog had been heard barking persistently in the Curraghmore area. Investigations revealed that a local dog had gone missing several days previously, and as nobody had been reported missing no further action was taken. The dog was subsequently brought down from a ledge by Team members and locals.

Tuesday, August 9, 2005. McGillycuddy Reeks, Alert
The Team were alerted at 22.00 after a German tourist had failed to return after being dropped off at 10.00 near Glenbeigh armed with a road map, sandals and a plan to walk to Killarney “via the mountains”. With no more detailed information available, a Team member drove several of the likely roads in the area and the remainder of the Team were put on standby for a wide-scale search at first light. At 00.30 word was received that the man had telephoned travelling companions to say that he was safe and well, and the alert was stood down.

Sunday, August 7, 2005. McGillycuddy Reeks, Alert
Shortly before 20.00 a report was received that a pair of walkers, who were known to have been on the summit of Carrauntoohil at 15.30, had not yet returned from the mountain. It was decided to put the Team on standby but delay initiating a full callout to allow the walkers a little more time to return. The pair turned up safe and well shortly afterwards.

Monday, August 1, 2005. Cathair con Ri, Assistance
The Team were contacted after a teenager suffered a broken arm and head injuries following a fall on Cathair con Rí. The Irish Coast Guard helicopter, which was taking part in a public display on Valentia at the time, was notified by the Team and made their way to the accident location. As the first contingent of Team members were nearing the scene the helicopter successfully evacuated the casualty.

Tuesday, July 26, 2005. Torc, Rescue
As the Team were assembling for a meeting a call was received that a Lithuanian walker had broken his ankle on Torc mountain. The Team immediately made their way to the scene and stretchered the man from the mountain before transferring him to an ambulance.

Friday, July 15, 2005. McGillycuddy Reeks, Search
It was reported to the Team that a solo French walker had failed to return to his accommodation the previous night after heading into the Reeks. A search was launched and the missing man was located in the Bridia valley at 14.00, having spent the night on the mountain after becoming disorientated.

Friday, July 8, 2005. McGillycuddy Reeks, Alert
The Team were alerted at 09.45 after a person reported seeing flashing lights in the vicinity of the Hag’s Teeth. It was felt that the only light bright enough to be seen in daylight would be a camera flash but it was unclear whether someone had made an early start and was simply taking photographs or was using a camera to attract attention. Two Team members were dispatched to the location but found nothing unusual and the alert was stood down.

Monday, June 27, 2005. Carrauntoohil, Rescue
Passers by heard and saw a man cragfast and calling for assistance on Carrauntoohil, and the Team were alerted at 15.45. The man was located in a gully below the ‘Heavenly Gates’ track, having made a navigational error. The Team roped down to him and lowered him off to safety.

Wednesday, June 22, 2005. Carrauntoohil, Alert
The Team were notified at 10.00 after a man undertaking a solo ‘three peaks challenge’ of Mangerton, Brandon and Carrauntoohil over the previous two days failed to make contact with a friend after setting off up Carrauntoohil at 09.00 on 21st. A quick investigation revealed that the man’s car was not present at any of the access points to the mountain, and further investigations by the Gardai established that the man was back at work, having sent a text message the previous day to notify his friend of his safe return. The friend did not receive the message.

Saturday, June 18, 2005. Devils Ladder, Assistance
An alert was received at 08.45 stating that a participant in a four peaks event had fallen on the Devil’s Ladder and sustained facial and head injuries. On contacting people at the scene it transpired that the man had received some first aid treatment and was walking from the mountain with assistance from his companions. The Team mobilised a Landrover to complete the evacuation but this proved to be unnecessary as the casualty succeeded in reaching Cronin’s Yard unaided.

Sunday, March 27, 2005. Aghadoe, Referral
The Team were contacted by Killarney Gardai following reports that the car of a despondent person had been located in the Aghadoe area. As the area was non-mountain the incident was referred on to the Civil Defence.

Saturday, March 26, 2005. Cnoc Breasail, Rescue
Gardai received a phone call from an English walker at 19.30 to say that he and his companion were unlikely to make it down from the mountain before nightfall. At 20.30 he again phoned to say that the pair were benighted and unable to make further progress. The Team were mobilised and after a brief search located the couple close to Lough Callee before assisting them from the mountain.

Monday, January 3, 2005. Carrauntoohil, Fatality
During the fourth day of the search which commenced on 31st December (see above), a report was received by Killarney Gardai that, in an unconnected incident, three climbers had witnessed a fatal fall from the Binn Chaorach ridge. The Team made their way to the scene and arrived there in fading light. The man’s remains were subsequently removed by stretcher in appalling weather conditions, arriving down at the valley floor at approximately 8.00pm.

2004

Friday, December 31, 2004 – Monday, January 3, 2005, Search/Fatality
A young Swedish walker failed to make contact with his family as arranged, after informing them by text that he was camped on the summit of Mangerton and intending to walk to Carrauntoohil the following day. A search of a huge area of mountainous land commenced on the 31st December and continued for four days, involving up to 200 ground searchers (comprised of members of nine mountain rescue teams, five mountaineering clubs, and members of the general public), eight search dog teams, water rescue teams and diving groups. In addition to searchers on the ground, a huge area was searched extensively from the air by the Irish Coast Guard helicopter whenever flying conditions allowed. Civil Defence, An Garda Siochana and Killarney National Park staff were also involved in the operation. After four days of intensive searching involving over 4,500 man-hours, the formal phase of the search was suspended but further searching was carried out by Team members and individuals for several more weekends. On 1st November 2006 a local farmer rounding up sheep in the Horses Glen discovered human remains which had apparently been swept down from elsewhere by a mudslide. They were recovered by KMRT the following day and were subsequently confirmed to be those of the missing man. See also 2/11/06

Tuesday, December 28, 2004. Carrauntoohil, Rescue
The Team were contacted at 14.30 with a report that a female walker had sustained serious injuries in a fall on the Devil’s Ladder. A full callout was launched and the casualty was subsequently stretchered from the Devil’s Ladder with head and back injuries and transferred to an ambulance at 19.30.

Friday, December 24, 2004, Referral
An individual contacted the Team looking for someone to co-ordinate a lowland search for a person who had been missing in the Abbeyfeale area for several days. It was suggested that the caller contacted the Civil Defence, as the area in question was not mountainous and as such was outside the remit of KMRT.

Thursday, December 16, 2004. Galty Mountains, Alert
At 3.00am the Team were contacted by the South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association to request assistance in the search for a walker missing in the Galty mountains. As a contingent of Team members made their way towards the Galtys the missing walker was located safe and well.

Thursday, November 11, 2004. Brandon, Rescue
Tralee Gardai contacted the Team following a report of a walker in distress on Brandon. It transpired that the man was benighted after earlier becoming disorientated in mist. He was located and walked off the mountain.

Wednesday, October 20, 2004. Glencar, Fatality (non-mountain)
The Team were called on by Killorglin Gardai to carry out a search for a man who had been missing for two days. The man’s body was located in woodland and was evacuated to the roadside prior to being transferred to an undertaker.

Friday, October 8, 2004. Torc, Rescue
As the Team were returning from the previous callout a message was received from Killarney Gardai following a report that two walkers were lost in Rhododendrons on the north face of Torc mountain and that one of them had suffered an ankle injury. The couple were located and escorted from the mountain.

Friday, October 8, 2004. Brandon, Assistance
The Team received a call from the Irish Coast Guard saying that a lady had injured her leg on Brandon. The Dingle Coast Guard Team were also responding but felt that they had insufficient personnel to complete a stretcher evacuation. As the Team made their way to Dingle a call was received to say that the Irish Coast Guard helicopter had carried out a successful evacuation.

Sunday, September 26, 2004. Mangerton, Alert
Gardai were contacted after a walker reported a bicycle locked at the foot of Mangerton after dark. As nobody had been reported overdue it was decided to standby and monitor the situation. No further action was required.

Friday, September 17, 2004. Tomies, Rescue
The Team were contacted after a pair of walkers became benighted in atrocious conditions on the flank of Tomies mountain, after having earlier become disorientated in the poor weather. A full callout was launched in near-torrential rain, and a party of Team members located the pair and walked them off to safety.

Saturday, September 4, 2004. Tomies Wood, Rescue
The Team received a distress call at approximately 22.30 from a group of four Hungarian walkers who had become benighted in swampy ground close to the Tomies Lakeshore. The Team located the group and escorted them to safety.

Friday, August 13, 2004 – Saturday, August 14, 2004. McGillycuddy Reeks, Double Rescue
Shortly after returning from the previous callout a call was received from Gardai to say that two members of a party of six (who had been descending into the Black Valley from the Reeks ridge) had fallen approximately 100 feet and had sustained serious injuries. A full callout was immediately initiated, including members from the Team’s reserve list. Helicopter assistance was not possible due to the prevailing weather conditions in the area at the time, and the Team, accompanied by a small number of locals, made their way to the area on foot and located the party in fading light. The two casualties were treated for serious multiple injuries and an arduous night-time double stretcher lower was commenced. The use of ropes was essential to safeguard the safety of casualties and rescuers due to the treacherous underfoot conditions, considerable exposure, and lack of visibility. The two casualties were handed over to awaiting ambulances at 02.45 and 04.30 respectively, and the Team was finally stood down at 07.00 after the remaining members of the party were roped to safety.

Friday, August 13, 2004. Eisc na Muice, Rescue
The Team were alerted after an American walker fractured his femur on the Eisc na Muice section of the Kerry Way in Killarney National Park. He was treated at the scene before being evacuated to a Team landrover and subsequently handed over to an ambulance for transfer to Kerry General Hospital.

Saturday, August 7, 2004. Carrauntoohil, Rescue
A call was received from a lone climber (via Tralee Gardai) stating that he had been caught out in mist between Carrauntoohil and Caher, had descended into Coomloughra and was now cragfast in a narrow scree gully. A chance remark about his surroundings alerted the Team to the fact that he was probably in Collins’ Gully, a considerable distance from where he thought he was. A full callout was initiated and the man was located uninjured in the Devil’s Ladder area, having made his own way down from the upper part of Collins’ Gully.

Monday, August 2, 2004. Brandon, Fatality
Tralee Ambulance Control received a call from a distressed lady on Brandon saying that a relative had suffered a suspected Heart Attack close to the summit, and that he didn’t appear to be breathing. KMRT in conjunction with Dingle Coast Guard responded to the call, and helicopter support was requested. The Waterford based Irish Coast Guard helicopter was unable to reach the summit due to low cloud, however it succeeded in airlifting several KMRT members close to the summit. They were met on the summit by two Dingle Coast Guard personnel (who had been dispatched as a rapid response first aid Team) who confirmed that the casualty was deceased. The casualty was subsequently stretchered down the western side of the mountain in deteriorating weather, arriving at the foot of the mountain at approximately 23.00.

Thursday, July 29, 2004. Brandon, Assistance
Gardai contacted the Team at approximately 23.00 following a report that two Polish walkers were benighted on Mount Brandon. On contacting the pair by mobile phone it was established that they were uninjured but insufficiently equipped to spend the night on the hill. Their exact location was established and they were advised not to move. Dingle Coast Guard were contacted (due to their proximity to the Brandon area) and subsequently located the pair and walked them off to safety.

Sunday, July 4, 2004 – Sunday, July 4, 2004. Brandon, Rescue
Tralee Ambulance Control contacted a Team member for advice at approximately 23.00 following a report that a teenage walker had been injured in the Brandon area. TAC were advised to contact Dingle Coast Guard in the first instance, while KMRT would standby to respond if required. Shortly after midnight Valentia Coast Guard Station contacted the Team to say that a response was required and a full callout was launched, in conjunction with Dingle Coast Guard and the Irish Coast Guard Helicopter. The casualty was located at approximately 5.30am following an extended search and was treated on the scene for head and knee injuries, hypothermia and extensive cuts and bruising. He was then airlifted to Tralee General Hospital by the Irish Coast Guard Sikorsky. He later underwent surgery before being transferred to the Intensive Care Unit.

Monday, June 7, 2004. McGillycuddy Reeks, Alert
Killarney Gardai were called by a walker who stated that he and his wife had planned to walk from Carrauntoohil to Lough Acoose, via Caher, but “must have taken a wrong turn”. The pair were apparently uninjured but there were no further details. Repeated attempts to contact the man by mobile phone proved unsuccessful. A full callout was initiated and the Team mobilised to Lough Acoose with the intention of carrying out a broad sweep of the entire area. Shortly after arriving at Lough Acoose phone contact was finally made, and the man stated that the pair were safe and well in the Gap of Dunloe, having made a major navigational error.

Sunday, June 6, 2004. McGillycuddy Reeks, Alert
A report was received that a competitor in a mountain running event was slightly overdue. The Team were put on standby for a short period as it was decided that a full callout was a little premature. The man turned up safe and well shortly afterwards having become disorientated on the mountain and descended to the wrong location.

Friday, May 14, 2004. McGillycuddy Reeks, Rescue
A call was received that a walker had collapsed on the Reeks Ridge, close to the top of the ‘Bone’. A full callout was immediately initiated and the Team made their way to the casualty location and commenced first aid treatment for a suspected cardiac condition. The cloud base was below the level of the ridge, therefore the casualty was loaded onto a stretcher and lowered for several hundred feet until he was below cloud level. The Irish Coast Guard helicopter then successfully winched the casualty on board and transferred him to Tralee General Hospital.

Thursday, May 6, 2004 – Friday, May 7, 2004. Gap of Dunloe, Alert
The Team were alerted after Killarney Gardai received a report that a car had been left at Kate Kearney’s Cottage for a number of days. Garda investigations indicated that it had been hired by a couple from Rotterdam, and following contact with friends of the couple it was established that the pair enjoyed camping, however it was unclear whether or not that was their intention on this trip. Messages were left on the couple’s mobile phone to contact the Gardai as soon as possible. It was agreed with the Gardai for the Team to remain on standby for 24 hours, as there was no indication whatsoever of which direction the couple had intended to head in. The couple telephoned Gardai the following day to report that all was well.

Thursday, April 22, 2004. Hags Glen, Alert
Killarney Gardai contacted the Team following a report from a member of the public that they had witnessed flares and a helicopter in the Hag’s Glen area. It was quickly established that the Irish Coast Guard helicopter was on a training exercise in the area, therefore no action was required.

Tuesday, April 13, 2004, Alert
A report was received that a person had heard cries for help in a mountainous area. A further call was received shortly afterwards to say that the original call had been a mistake, as the person had in fact been hearing sheep or goats.

Monday, April 12, 2004. Carrauntoohil, Rescue
The Team were contacted shortly after 15.30 with a report that two walkers were in trouble on Carrauntoohil. On contacting them it transpired that they were cragfast, but were unable to give a precise location. A full callout was initiated and following a brief search the pair were spotted in a spectacularly exposed position on the NE face of the mountain, having taken the wrong route in descent. A crag Team carefully made their way to the area and abseiled down to the two men, who were then roped off the mountain.

Saturday, March 6, 2004. Brandon, Search
Dingle Coast Guard contacted the Team at 11.30pm, following reports that an American walker had failed to meet up at an agreed RV point after separating from a friend some 12 hours earlier in the Faha Ridge area. A contingent of KMRT members went to assist Dingle Coast Guard on a night search whilst the remainder of Team members were put on standby for a full search at first light. At 3.00am it was discovered that the lady in question had booked into a B&B; in Tralee but had been unable to contact her friend. The Team were stood down.

Sunday, February 29, 2004. The Paps, Alert
The Team were contacted by Gardai shortly after midnight following a report that two men had asked for permission to leave a car in a farmyard at the foot of the Paps but had failed to return. The Team were put on standby for a full-scale search at first light while two Team members went to the scene to investigate. Meanwhile the Gardai had established an identity for the driver of the car following a number-plate check. Subsequent investigations revealed that they had not planned to return to the car that evening but had failed to notify the farmer of this when they spoke to him earlier in the day. The callout was stood down at 3.30am.

Monday, February 16, 2004. Lauragh, Assistance
The Team were put on standby at 20.15 following reports that a group of 19 walkers were experiencing difficulties descending from a mountain in the Lauragh area. Initial reports were that local people had gone up to lead the group to safety and that no immediate response was required from the Team. A second call was received some time later however to say that two people had become separated from the group and were trapped on a ledge, and that assistance from the Team was now needed. A full callout was launched, however shortly before the Team arrived at the location the two people were successfully led to safety by local people.

2003

Saturday, November 8, 2003. Hags Glen, Fatality
An inexperienced walker became separated from his group on the Hag’s Tooth Ridge in windy conditions. Some time afterwards two walkers from a different party spotted a body on a scree slope below the ridge. It is presumed that a gust of wind caused the man to lose his balance and fall from the ridge. The Team brought the man’s body to Lisleibane.

Thursday, October 2, 2003. Torc, Search
An experienced solo walker who had departed Kate Kearney’s at 11.15 and was due to be collected at Torc Waterfall at 16.30 failed to arrive and the Team were alerted. A full callout was initiated at 20.00 and the walker was located on the Kenmare Road shortly afterwards. There had been an apparent misunderstanding about the collection point, and he had been waiting elsewhere to meet his driver.

Saturday, August 30, 2003 – Sunday, August 31, 2003. Short Mountain, Search
A call was received that a 38 year old asylum-seeker had gone missing from a house on the side of short mountain. She had left her two children and her medication in the house, along with a note that hinted that she intended self-harm. Despite extensive searching in the area, no trace of the lady was found. She later turned up safe and well in the UK.

Monday, August 25, 2003. Lispole, Search
The Team were mobilised after several independent witnesses reported seeing a light aircraft crashing into the mountains near Lispole. The Team joined Fire Brigade personnel at a makeshift base whilst the Irish Coast Guard helicopter overflew the target area, however despite extensive searching in clear conditions, the helicopter failed to locate a crash site. Following further consultation with eye witnesses, the helicopter then airlifted 6 Team members onto the hill to carry out a sweep search of a specific area. Despite extensive searching no trace of wreckage was found. It was felt that the witnesses may have seen a flare, as no aircraft were reported missing, however several witnesses were adamant that it was a light aircraft that they had seen. The incident remains unexplained.

Thursday, August 14, 2003. Newcastlewest, Referral
A request came from the Irish Coast Guard to provide assistance in looking for an 82 year old woman suffering from amnesia, who had gone missing in a wooded area close to Newcastlewest. The call was passed on to SARDA, and was later taken on by SEMRA, who have several Team members trained in low-level search management.

Monday, August 4, 2003. McGillycuddy Reeks, Rescue
A climber fell a considerable distance while descending the Cummeen Mór side of The Bone, sustaining serious head injuries. His companion witnessed the fall but was unable to get down to where the casualty was lying. A full callout was initiated and following a lengthy stretcher lower and carry-out the casualty was transferred to an ambulance at 11.30pm (the Irish Coast Guard helicopter had earlier attended but was unable to effect a pick-up due to weather conditions). The casualty was eventually released from hospital several weeks later.

Tuesday, July 29, 2003. Carrauntoohil, Alert
Two climbers became disorientated in mist on Carrauntoohil, and called for assistance. On contacting the pair it transpired that they had located a path and descended below the level of the mist. No further action was required.

Monday, July 21, 2003. Hungry Hill, Rescue
A report was received that a walker had fallen on Hungry Hill and sustained serious head and leg injuries. The Team made their way to the area and joined the Coast Guard Team who had already commenced an evacuation. The casualty was subsequently transferred to an ambulance before being helicoptered from Castletownbere to Cork University Hospital, where he underwent surgery for several fractures.

Sunday, July 13, 2003. Torc, Alert
Two children went missing in the Torc waterfall area, however they turned up safe and well prior to the full Team being mobilised.

Saturday, July 12, 2003. Brandon, Alert
An elderly female walker fell on Brandon, injuring her ankle. A passer-by who had witnessed the incident contacted Tralee Gardai by mobile phone when he reached an area of coverage and the Team was alerted. The injured walker’s party contacted Gardai themselves shortly afterwards however, and said that assistance was not required as the casualty was able to walk.

Sunday, June 29, 2003. Carrauntoohil, Rescue
Two climbers became disorientated on the summit in mist and mistakenly began to descend the exposed north ridge. Following a near-accident in which one of the pair was almost blown from the ridge by a strong gust, they retraced their steps back to the summit and called for assistance. Two Team members made their way to the summit from the Hag’s Glen (where the Team had been training) and led the pair to safety.

Sunday, June 8, 2003. Cloon, Assistance
A Team member who was participating in a club walk raised the alarm after one of the party sustained serious ankle ligament damage following a short fall on a steep and rocky spur south of Lough Reagh. A full callout was initiated, and due to the isolated location of the incident and the rough nature of the terrain, the Irish Coast Guard Sikorsky was requested to assist in the operation. The casualty was subsequently winched on board the helicopter and transferred to Tralee General Hospital, thus avoiding what would have been an extremely long and arduous stretcher evacuation.

Thursday, June 5, 2003. McGillycuddy Reeks, Alert
A group of three walkers which included a six year old child had set off on 4th July with the intention of staying overnight in the emergency shelter, ascending Carrauntoohil and returning by early afternoon on 5th. A full callout was initiated shortly after 9pm when the party had failed to return. The group turned up safe and well shortly afterwards, having taken much longer than expected to complete their plan.

Thursday, June 5, 2003. Reeks Ridge, Search
Killarney Gardai contacted the Team at 8.45pm after receiving reports that a walker who had set off at 3.20am to climb Carrauntoohil and traverse the Reeks Ridge had failed to return. The man had left an accurate route description at his hotel, along with his estimated time of return. A full callout was initiated and a major search was planned to try and locate the man before nightfall. As Team members were preparing to commence their search routes, word was received that the man had turned up safe and well in the Black Valley, some 18 hours after setting off.

Friday, May 2, 2003. Devils Ladder, Assistance
A group of walkers reported that one of their party had suffered an ankle injury while descending the Devil’s Ladder, and was being assisted down by other party members. A contingent of Team members made their way to the area and met the party at Ard na Locha. The injured person and his companions were evacuated the remaining distance by Landrover.

Sunday, April 27, 2003. Cloghane, Alert
The Team were alerted by Dingle Coast and Cliff Rescue Team, who were attempting to reach a man with a broken leg but were having difficulties getting to him. The Irish Coast Guard helicopter from Shannon was also finding it difficult to carry out a successful airlift. The Team was put on standby but no further action was required.

Saturday, March 15, 2003. West Cork, Referral
Gardai in Bandon contacted the Team following a report of a car that had driven over a sea cliff. The Team passed on details of the relevant Coast and Cliff Rescue group, and no further action was required.

2002

Sunday, November 17, 2002. Hags Glen, Alert
The Team received a report that a light had been seen in the area below the Hag’s Tooth. As nobody had been reported overdue and no cars were left at the roadhead, the Team were put on standby but no further action was required.

Thursday, November 14, 2002. Carrauntoohil, Rescue
The Team was called during the evening when two climbers had contacted Gardai stating that they had climbed somewhere on the North face of Carrauntoohil but were now unable to find their way off it. They gave a grid reference of what they assumed to be their location. Four Team members went on the mountain in heavy fog and spent considerable time trying to locate the climbers. On descending Brother O’Shea’s Gully verbal contact was made and an attempt was again made to locate them. Soon afterwards it was decided to call off the search until daylight. The following morning the pair were located and walked off to safety.

Thursday, October 31, 2002. Hags Glen, Alert
A report came in that a pair of American walkers had telephoned friends to say that they were at the “head of the trail” but were quite distressed. Before further information could be gained, phone contact was lost. A party of Team members were preparing to make their way into the Hag’s Glen when word came through that the pair were safe and well. The alert was stood down.

Saturday, October 26, 2002. Hags Glen, Assistance
The Team received a report that a party of English walkers were benighted after having been unable to cross the swollen Gaddagh River. Following a series of phone calls to try and establish the party’s exact position, the Team was informed that they had made contact with a local farmer who was guiding them to safety.

Sunday, October 6, 2002. Millstreet, Assistance
Cork Ambulance Control contacted the Team following a report of a young walker who had suffered an open fracture of the lower leg whilst walking on Clara mountain. The Irish Coast Guard helicopter was called but was unable to respond immediately as it was on another operation. Whilst the Team were en route to Millstreet however, the helicopter became available and succeeded in airlifting the casualty to hospital.

Sunday, September 22, 2002. Coomacloghane, Alert
A group of walkers contacted the Team from the Coomacloghane Pocket area to say that one of their party members was suffering from exhaustion, but was being assisted from the mountain by fellow group members. The Team were put on standby but no further action was required.

Saturday, September 7, 2002. McGillycuddy Reeks, Alert
Following a report that a walker was long overdue on a walk from Cronin’s Yard to the Black Valley, the Team were put on standby while preliminary checks were made. During this time the man turned up safe and well near Lough Acoose and the alert was stood down.

Friday, August 23, 2002. Hags Glen, Alert
Gardai were contacted after a group of walkers heard shouts coming from the direction of Cummeenoughter. Two Team members went to the area to investigate and established that there had been two people rounding up sheep in the area at the time. As neither farmer had seen or heard anything out of the ordinary it was assumed that the shouts were their own, and the alert was stood down.

Tuesday, August 20, 2002. Lispole, Alert
The Team were put on standby following a report from Tralee Gardai that a helicopter had crashed into a hillside in mist in the Lispole area, with one reported fatality. The Team’s assistance in recovering the remains was not subsequently required.

Monday, August 12, 2002. Carrauntoohil, Rescue
Two support staff for a Five Peaks Challenge event became disorientated and benighted on different parts of the mountain after poor weather closed in around them. The Team located the two individuals some distance apart in the early hours of the morning, and escorted them down to safety in appalling weather conditions.

Friday, August 9, 2002. Devils Ladder, Rescue
The Team received a report from Killarney Gardai that a walker had been injured on the Devil’s Ladder following a fall. On contacting the party by phone it was established that the man had sustained head, arm and pelvic injuries, and was in a serious condition. The Irish Coast Guard helicopter was requested and the Team made its way to the location as rapidly as possible. The casualty was treated at the scene, stretcher-lowered to the foot of the Devil’s Ladder and evacuated in fading light to a suitable pick-up point, from where he was transported by helicopter to hospital in Tralee.

Monday, August 5, 2002. Derrycunnihy, Search
Killarney Gardai called the Team to say that an experienced American walker who had left Kate Kearney’s at 14.30 to walk to Derrycunnihy Church had failed to RV with his brother as arranged.The man had been wrongly advised that the walk would take two hours (normal time 3-4 hours minimum), however at this stage the man was several hours overdue. Team members were deployed walking the route and driving nearby roads in a preliminary search but no trace of the walker was found. At 00.30 the search was stood down and a full-scale search was organised for first light. Shortly after this it was established that the man had returned to his accommodation, and the Team were stood down. It is assumed that the man had arrived at the RV point at the same time that his brother had driven to Molly Darcy’s to raise the alarm, and made his own way home when there was nobody there to meet him. The two brothers had no way of contacting each other, and no contingency plan if they failed to meet up as arranged.

Saturday, August 3, 2002. Mangerton, Alert
The Team were alerted after a group of three had strayed from the Old Kenmare Road in mist and become lost. During a preliminary road search a Team member located the group safe and well shortly before a concerned relative also arrived on the scene.

Tuesday, July 30, 2002. Caher, Fatality
Shortly after 2pm the Team received a report that a walker had collapsed and died suddenly from an acute medical condition on the ridge between Caher and Carrauntoohil. The Team made its way to the scene, and the body was subsequently stretchered down the Devil’s Ladder to Lisleibane.

Sunday, July 21, 2002. Beenkeragh, Rescue
A Team member was contacted with a report of a walker who had suffered an injury close to the summit of Beenkeeragh after a rock had tumbled onto his foot. The initial report was that the walker was going to make his own way down with the assistance of companions, however it soon became apparent that this would not be possible as the injury was worse than first thought. A callout was therefore initiated and the man was stretchered down the Coomloughra side of the mountain and transferred to an ambulance at the bottom of the ‘hydro track’, suffering from several broken bones in his foot.

Friday, July 19, 2002. Caher, Assistance
A group of walkers telephoned Gardai to say that they were lost somewhere on Caher in mist. The Team co-ordinator contacted the group and was able to ‘talk them down’ by mobile phone.

Friday, July 12, 2002. Devils Ladder, Rescue
The Team were alerted by Gardai at 6.45pm following reports of a climber who had injured her leg on the Devil’s Ladder and was unable to walk. Team members made their way to the scene, administered first aid and stretchered the casualty down to Ard na Locha. She was subsequently evacuated by Landrover and transferred to an ambulance at 12.30am.

Sunday, July 7, 2002. Devils Ladder, Rescue
Gardai contacted the Team at 7.30am with a report of a climber (a participant in a ‘four peaks challenge’ style event) who had fallen and sustained serious injuries on the Devil’s Ladder. Telephone contact was made with the group on the hill, and following verification of the nature of the casualty’s injuries, the Shannon Coast Guard helicopter was also alerted. The helicopter airlifted an advance party of Team members close to the scene, who administered first aid to the casualty. Shortly afterwards, the rest of the Team arrived on the scene and began to prepare for a stretcher lower to a suitable helicopter pick-up point. The casualty was subsequently airlifted to hospital in Tralee, suffering from head and neck injuries, multiple fractures and hypothermia.

Saturday, July 6, 2002. Gap of Dunloe, Rescue
The Team were alerted following reports that a solo climber had become cragfast close to the route ‘Ferdia’ in the Gap of Dunloe. Contact was made with the climber, who was uninjured, and he was subsequently lowered from the crag with the use of a strop.

Sunday, May 19, 2002. Feabrahy Ridge, Fatality
A report was received that a climber had sustained a significant fall from the Feabrahy ridge, close to Lough Gooch. The Team alerted the Shannon Coast Guard helicopter and rushed to the scene. Unfortunately it was confirmed that the climber had lost his life in the fall, and the body was subsequently airlifted to Tralee.

Sunday, April 7, 2002. Broachnabinna, Alert
The Team was contacted following a report of shouts coming from the northern slopes of Broaghnabinna. Team members went to the Bridia valley to check the report. Having scanned the area with binoculars and having got no response to whistles and calls the callout was suspended. Later that evening another report of shouts from the same area was received. The Team was mobilised with some members going to the Bridia valley and the rest going to the Black valley. Again no response was received to calls and whistles. At this stage the callout was cancelled.

Sunday, March 31, 2002. Knocknadobar, Rescue
Tralee Gardai called the Team following a report of an injured walker on Knocknadobar. The Team was mobilised to RV at Caherciveen power station. The injured person, who had sustained a broken ankle during a pilgrimage walk, was treated at the scene and stretchered to an awaiting ambulance.

Saturday, March 23, 2002. Hags Glen, Alert
Two walkers called to Killarney Garda station reporting that they had heard calls for help coming from the vicinity of Toinne. Three Team members went to the Hag’s Glen to investigate. Walkers, returning from Carrauntoohil, when asked said they had heard nothing. Whistles were sounded from Ard na Locha and the area was scanned with binoculars. Nothing was heard or seen. The callout was cancelled.

Friday, March 22, 2002. Killarney, Alert
The Team was contacted when lights were seen on an island on Lough Léin. The Gardai and the National Park rangers were notified. The Team was put on standby but no further action was required.

Sunday, March 10, 2002. Carrauntoohil, Rescue
The Team was called following a report of a climber suffering from severe head injuries after being struck by a rock on a route known as “The Step”. The Coast Guard helicopter was called but was unable to operate due to the confined nature of the area and poor weather conditions. The casualty, who had suffered a fractured skull and other injuries, was treated at the scene and lowered from the gully. The helicopter again tried to assist but bad weather forced it to return to Shannon. The casualty was subsequently stretchered to an awaiting ambulance.

Wednesday, February 27, 2002. Killarney, Referral (non-mountain fatality)
Killarney Gardai called on the Team to assist them in their search for a local man who had been missing since the previous morning. His car was found in a lay-by near Torc waterfall. It was suggested that Killarney Water Rescue should be called and that KMRT be available if needed. The man’s body was found in the water the following morning.

Sunday, January 20, 2002. Gougane Barra, Rescue
The Team were contacted by mobile phone after a group of seven walkers from Cork became lost and benighted in the Gougane Barra area. The group were quickly located by the Team and walked off to safety.

Sunday, January 6, 2002 – Monday, January 7, 2002. Lough Dubh, Double Fatality & Rescue
As the Team were preparing to respond to the previous callout, a report came in of a serious accident in an isolated area close to Lough Dubh. It transpired that three climbers from a group of four had fallen, with two reported fatalities. The Team immediately contacted the Coast Guard Helicopter and rushed to an agreed RV point, from where the helicopter airlifted Team members and equipment to the scene. A search of the area found an injured person near the foot of a narrow gully who was evacuated by helicopter in fading light, suffering from head and back injuries. A treacherous night search of the gully unfortunately confirmed that the other two party members had lost their lives. At this stage the operation was suspended until first light due to the dangerous conditions. Following a further helicopter airlift of Team personnel in the morning, the bodies were lowered to the foot of the gully. Due to the inaccessible nature of the lakeshore at this point, they were transported by inflatable canoe to a more suitable helicopter winching point, from where they were removed by helicopter to the Black Valley, where relatives had assembled.

Sunday, January 6, 2002. Devils Ladder, Rescue
The Team was called to assist a climber who had fallen near the top of the Devil’s Ladder, sustaining facial injuries. She was assisted down the Ladder and transported to Lisleibane and subsequently to Tralee General Hospital.

2001

Saturday, December 29, 2001. Hags Glen, Rescue
The Team was called to rescue a walker who had slipped whilst jumping across a stream, sustaining suspected ligament damage. She was carried by stretcher to Lisleibane and transported by ambulance to Tralee General Hospital.

ednesday, December 26, 2001. Carrauntoohil, Fatality & Rescue
A person approached Team members on the summit of Carrauntoohil with a report that he had received a call from a friend who was climbing with two others on Howling Ridge. Apparently one had fallen a considerable distance. The body of the man was found on the track below the ‘Heavenly Gates’. His two friends, although uninjured, were cragfast on the ledge from which the fall had occurred. The Irish Coast Guard helicopter lifted the two stranded climbers from their precarious position before returning to the scene to remove the body to Ard na Locha, from where the remains were transported to the roadhead at Lisleibane.

Sunday, October 21, 2001. Torc, Alert
The Team was called by Killarney Gardai when they got a report that a couple, who had been walking in the Torc waterfall area, had become separated and one of them was overdue. As the call was being assessed the missing person returned.

Monday, August 13, 2001. Derrymore, Rescue
The Team was called following a report that a walker, who was walking the Dingle Way, had injured his knee and was unable to walk. He was stretcher lowered to the Tralee – Dingle road and then taken to Tralee hospital.

Saturday, August 11, 2001. Rossbeigh, Assistance
During the annual “Trasna na dTonnta” swim, members of the Team were called on to assist a woman who had suffered upper body injuries following a fall from a horse on the back strand at Rossbeigh. She was transferred by ambulance to Tralee hospital.

Friday, August 3, 2001. Hags Glen, Rescue
As two walkers were circumnavigating Lough Gouragh they became trapped on the cliffs behind the lake. Both people were lowered to safety by the Team.

Friday, July 27, 2001. Keel, Alert
The Team was called by Tralee Gardai when they got a report that an elderly local man, who had gone for a walk on the hills behind his home, was long overdue. Whilst the Team were on the phone to his family the man returned home.

Friday, July 13, 2001. Devils Ladder, Rescue
Killarney Gardai contacted the Team following a report that a climber had fallen on the Devil’s Ladder. The Shannon Helicopter was called but could not reach the casualty due to intermittent low cloud. The Team lowered the casualty by stretcher to Ard na Locha from where the helicopter took him to Tralee hospital.

Sunday, July 8, 2001. Hags Glen, Alert
Following consultation with Gardai, Team members went to investigate an seemingly abandoned tent that had been noted in an isolated location for at least a fortnight. On examination it quickly became apparent that the tent was in regular use.

Sunday, June 24, 2001. Tomies, Alert
The Team was alerted by Gardai when a local guesthouse owner got worried about two walkers who had left that morning to walk on Tomies. They were due back at 17.30. On investigation it became apparent that they had returned to Killarney without calling back to the guesthouse.

Sunday, June 17, 2001. Carrauntoohil, Rescue
Whilst on a training day the Team was called to rescue a walker who had become ill on Carrauntoohil. The walker was found near Cummeen Uachtair lake slowly making his way down aided by companions. The Team assisted him down the remaining way.

Friday, May 25, 2001. Mangerton, Rescue
Killarney Gardai called the Team when they got a report that a member of a school trip to Mangerton had collapsed. The Team was mobilised and the Shannon helicopter was called. As the casualty was just under cloud level the helicopter was able to evacuate the casualty to Tralee hospital.

Sunday, January 28, 2001. Crohane, Rescue
Following reports of a member of a Cork walking group having injured his knee, the Team was mobilised and base was set up at the back of Lough Guitane. The casualty was found 500ft above Lough Nabroda on Crohane. It was decided to carry him to the Kilgarvan road so base was relocated to Rosacroonaloo Wood. At 20.30 the casualty was transferred to a car which took him back to Cork.

Thursday, January 11, 2001. Glenteenassig, Alert
The Team was called by Tralee Gardai following reports of an injured walker in Glentenassig. The Team was mobilised but the call was cancelled before reaching the site as the injured person was rescued by Tralee fire brigade.

2000

Friday, December 29, 2000. Carrauntoohil, Alert
Gardai got a report of the sighting of a flashing light on the summit of the mountain and subsequently called the Team. Investigation proved that the “millennium strobe” had struck again!

Wednesday, December 27, 2000. Tomies Wood, Alert
The Team was called by Killarney Gardai when a walker reported himself lost in Tomies wood. Shortly afterwards the call was cancelled as the man was found by National Park Rangers.

Friday, December 15, 2000. Killarney area, Alert
The Killarney Gardai asked for the assistance of the Team in their search for a missing person. The search was to start on the following morning at 09.30. On checking back with the Gardai early on Saturday morning we were informed that the person had returned home at 05.10.

Wednesday, September 27, 2000. Eagle’s Nest, Assistance
At 18.00 the Team was called when a group of six tourists and a local guide reported that they were on the Eagle’s Nest and could not find their way off it. They also reported that they were cold and very tired. The Team was mobilised and approached the area via the Old Weir bridge. After a short time the group were seen approaching having made their way down from the hill. They were escorted from the area and taken by Team transport to their hotel.

Friday, August 25, 2000. Carrauntoohil, Alert
At 22.30 the Killarney Gardai called the Team when a group of campers reported seeing a light flashing on the summit of Carrauntoohil. On speaking with the group it was established that the light was the strobe on the summit cross. No further action was taken

Saturday, August 19, 2000. Tomies, Alert
Killarney Gardai called the Team when they got a report late on Saturday evening of a car parked on the Tomies road. It was decided to wait until morning before taking any action. In the early morning the Gardai reported back that the car belonged to a group who had camped overnight on the mountain.

Friday, August 11, 2000. Caha Mountains (Rabuck’s Glen), Rescue
Kenmare Gardai called the Team to rescue a walker (a member of a Czech group) who had fallen and suffered a broken femur whilst climbing at the back of the Rabuck’s Glen. The Shannon Coast Guard helicopter was requested however it was on another call at the time and would possibly be delayed. In the event, the Team and the helicopter arrived on the scene almost simultaneously. On assessing the scene it proved impossible for the helicopter to reach the casualty directly. The casualty was therefore treated at the scene and stretchered to the nearest suitable landing zone, from where he was evacuated by helicopter to Tralee General Hospital.

Saturday, July 15, 2000. Carrauntoohil, Assistance
When the Killarney Gardai called the Team to get an update on the previous callout they reported that they had received another call from a couple on Carrauntoohil also saying that they were lost. As with the previous callout, contact was made by mobile phone and the couple were talked down.

Saturday, July 15, 2000. Carrauntoohil, Assistance
The Team was called when the leader of a group of walkers on Carrauntoohil reported that he was lost and that one of his group was exhausted. Having made contact with him over a mobile phone it was possible to ascertain where he was and to talk him down.

Saturday, June 17, 2000. Carrauntoohil, Alert
At 11.45pm the Team received a call from Killarney Gardai that two people from Limerick who had set off from Cronin’s yard earlier in the day had not yet returned to their car. As it was not known precisely where the two people were heading for or whether they were planning to camp, it was decided to delay a detailed search until first light. At 6.00am it was discovered that the car was no longer there and the Team were stood down. Several people are known to have spent the night on the summit to observe the dawn on one of the longest days of the year and it is presumed that these people had the same intention.

Saturday, May 20, 2000. Carrauntoohil, Alert
Killarney Gardai contacted the Team following a phone call from a walker who stated that he was lost and that his companion was exhausted after they had set out to climb Carrauntoohil earlier in the day. Two Team members travelled to Lisleibane and Lough Acoose to ascertain where the pair had started. The couple were found at the bottom of the “hydro road” having made their own way down.

Sunday, May 7, 2000. Glengarriff, Assistance (non-mountain fatality)
Tralee ambulance control contacted the Team to assist in the recovery of the body of a person who had fallen from the road near the “tunnels” on the Kenmare/Glengarriff road. As the Team was about to set off the call was cancelled as the local fire service had succeeded in recovering the body from its inaccessible position.

Tuesday, May 2, 2000. Torc, Alert
The Team was contacted by Killarney Gardai when a walker (who had separated from his friend whilst walking in the Torc/Old Kenmare Road area) reported his companion overdue. Two Team members went to Torc waterfall car park to interview the person. On arrival at the car park it was found that the missing person had just returned.

Sunday, April 30, 2000. Alohart, Search
The Team was mobilised following reports that two people, who had been walking in the Alohart area, had heard calls for help. An extensive search was then commenced which continued until nightfall before being suspended. A scaled down search involving two SARDA dogs was carried out on the following day. Nothing was found.

Thursday, April 27, 2000. Carrauntoohil, Alert
The Team were contacted following a report from a camper in the Hag’s Glen that he had seen a light flashing on Carrauntoohil. On investigation the light proved to be the “millennium strobe” on the summit cross.

Thursday, April 27, 2000. Hags Glen, Rescue
Killarney Gardai contacted the Team following reports of a walker who had injured her lower leg whilst walking from Cronin’s yard towards Carrauntoohil. The incident happened near where the path from Cronin’s meets the path from Lisliebane. The injury was treated at the scene and she was evacuated to the Lisleibane track, involving a crossing of the Gaddagh River and a roped stretcher haul up the steep bank. She was then carried by stretcher to Lisleibane and from there in the Unimog to Killarney District Hospital, where she was transferred to an ambulance.

Sunday, April 23, 2000. Carrauntoohil, Alert
An anxious friend of three people who were climbing Carrauntoohil contacted the Team, as the weather on the mountain was bad and the party was badly equipped. The group returned safely prior to the full mobilisation of the Team.

Sunday, April 2, 2000. Curraghmore, Rescue
The Team was called on to rescue a walker who had suffered a broken ankle whilst walking on the Kerry Way near Curraghmore. The casualty was treated at the scene and then carried by stretcher to O’Sullivan’s yard and from there by car to Kate’s. Members of her group then transported her back to Cork University Hospital.

Sunday, March 26, 2000. Coomloughra, Rescue
The Tralee Gardai contacted the Team having received a call from a group of walkers saying that one of their group had broken his lower leg. The Team carried the casualty from the mountain by stretcher and handed him over to an awaiting ambulance.

Saturday, March 18, 2000. Torc , Rescue
The Team was called when a group of scouts were overdue on a climb of Torc. The group was escorted from the hill by the Team, assisted by National Park Rangers.

Wednesday, March 8, 2000. Colly, Alert
Caherciveen Gardai contacted the Team after a group of fifteen were reported overdue on a climb of Colly mountain. As the callout was being assessed the group returned safely.

Saturday, February 19, 2000. Devils Ladder, Assistance
Killarney Gardai called the Team when they received a call from a walker saying she had broken her ankle. On calling her back it was established that she was at the top of the Devil’s Ladder. The Team was immediately mobilised and the IMES helicopter was requested. As the Team was moving in the Hag’s Glen the helicopter effected the rescue and removed the casualty to Tralee General Hospital.

Tuesday, January 4, 2000. Torc, Alert
The Killarney Gardai alerted the Team when a walker went missing from a group on the Old Kenmare Road. The Team was mobilised but the call was cancelled soon afterwards when the person returned to her car at Derrycunnihy.