Pitch black Mayo mountainside rescue operation to rescue couple

A mountain rescue operation was launched on Croagh Patrick last night by Mayo Mountain Rescue Team after two walkers became severely fatigued during their descent.

The rescue team, made up entirely of volunteers, received the callout at 8.30pm and quickly deployed first responders to locate the couple on the mountain track, approximately 30 minutes from the Murrisk car park.

Following an emergency assessment and on-site care, rescue personnel stretchered one walker down the mountain while the other was assisted on foot to the car park. The operation concluded successfully at 10.10 p.m. when the team was stood down.

The rescue team expressed gratitude to a passing hiker who raised the alarm by calling 999 for mountain rescue assistance and provided the struggling couple with a torch while they awaited help.

The rescue service has wished both walkers a speedy recovery following their ordeal on Ireland's holy mountain.

Declan, one of the volunteers, found the phone of the lady who was stretchered off the mountain the following day. 

He contacted the lady and told her he would leave it in the Garda Station.

The incident serves as a reminder to hillwalkers to ensure adequate preparation for mountain conditions, including appropriate lighting for evening descents and realistic assessment of fitness levels for the challenging terrain.

Mayo Mountain Rescue Team are a 100% voluntary organisation providing a 999/112 emergency service 24/7, 365 days a year, to those lost or injured on the hills and mountains of Mayo.