INCIDENT IN THE COMERAGHS  --  REMINDER AS TO THE RISKS ON THE MOUNTAINS

On Saturday last whilst ascending at the back of Coum Eag in the Comeraghs we had an incident resulting in a serious injury to Patricia O’Connor, one of our members.  Whilst ascending up a grassy slope a large rock was dislodged from on high and rolled downhill striking her on the lower leg. Thankfully everyone else managed to avoid being struck. Once everything settled down it was obvious from her pain that she had suffered a serious injury, most likely a fracture/break in the ankle.  Initially we treated her for shock,(shaking, vomiting sensation, breathing), which she recovered from in a short time thanks to excellent care from the members present.  Having assessed the injury, the weather, the surrounding terrain and the experienced members present it was determined that we should evacuate her off the mountain ourselves.  We improvised a stretcher from walking poles and a fleece, dressed her in additional layers of clothing to keep her warm and proceeded to descend the mountain stopping at regular intervals to give the bearers rest.  Once down she was driven to Cork when they established that she had suffered a fractured ankle.  We wish her a very speedy recovery.

From a personal viewpoint, a big thanks to all who assisted on the day – people remained calm, assessed the situation, decided and implemented a course of action.  Special thanks to Colin, Tommy, Declan, Ger, Tony, Michael and Louise who executed the carry-out.

There are lessons to be learned here. There are constant dangers on the mountains and we must remain vigilant at all times.  Accidents can and will occur from time to time.  We must be constantly assessing situations and be aware of any risks to ourselves and to others.

In this particular case, when ascending a gully, no matter what the risk, it is better for the group to stick close together thus lessening the risk of being struck by falling rocks.  In particular, at this time of the year rocks, loosened by snow and ice can become unstable.

Michael Carey

Leenaun Weekend 2014

Friday 24th' off to Leenaun again for the now Annual 'A' team assault on the Connemara Mountains.This years goal, Glen Cogan, Glen Corbett horseshoes, Failmore Circuit with Ben Gorm/Ben Creggan as back up. Forecast looked good leading up to the weekend and again Connemara showed it has no regard for forecasts.

Saturday, ready to climb at 09:30h. Cloud lifting to give a clear view of the Majestic Glen Cogan, things looking good,so on and up. About 300m the first of the gales hit; maps, hats ect. took off on their merry way which led to a mad scramble to recover same. Navagation easy enough at this stage but it was not to last. Wind increasing to storm force with heavy rain (should have listened to Mels weather warnings...) Makes one wonder what the 12 Bens Challange must have been like! No takers for the escape route at the half way point so on to the finish. The 7 hours extended to a 9 hour exhausting battle against the elements, but what a day!

Sundays forecast even worse so even plan B went out the window. 80k winds so low level with no dissenters. A long walk on the shore of Irelands only Fjord out to The Quay with a little bit of Ascent for good measure. The beauty of Killary Harbour is something to behold (pity about the mussel farms) Paid our usual visit to Ganeys, The Field pub, followed by a musical evening in the Hotel. A wonderful local artist Mary Keane pulled out all the stops, so good ,as John J said, even he stayed to the finish.  Good also of Rosemary to entertain TONY!!!

Only Monday to go, again the forecast looked good...it did yeah! Rain and wind again belting down, for the second year running the Glen Corbett mission had to be abandoned after a few hours. Next Year??.

Wrapped up the weekend with dinner in Morans on the Weir.

Well done to all for the effort put in in the most adverse weather conditions.

No looking back after that.

Victor

Pictures by Dan McCarthy of the Weekend can be viewed HERE