Thanks for ‘miracle’ Blarney rescue, says US tourist
A US tourist who had to be dramatically airlifted from Blarney Castle after suffering a heart attack earlier this year returned to the iconic tourist attraction to fulfil his dream of kissing the Blarney Stone.
David Motte (59), from North Carolina, triggered a major emergency rescue operation when he collapsed last April near the top of the medieval castle.
Paramedics quickly assessed that he had gone into cardiac arrest.
Because of the narrow stone spiral staircase, paramedics made the decision to airlift him from the top of the popular tourist attraction – and the speedy rescue and treatment were instrumental in saving Mr Motte’s life.
Mr Motte, who was on holiday in Ireland last April with his wife Joy, said he will remain eternally grateful to Ireland, its emergency services and medical teams at Cork University Hospital (CUH).
“I owe my life to them. I am ever so grateful – people were so caring, generous and kind. Everyone we met was so wonderful earlier this year,” he said.
The couple have now returned to Ireland – and Mr Motte fulfilled his dream of kissing the Blarney Stone yesterday.
He also took time to meet all the staff and people who had assisted him when he was taken ill.
Mr Motte said the couple have now fallen in love with Ireland.
“I was a goner – I really shouldn’t be here. I’ve been told that,” he said.
“It was a miracle, it really was. I just wanted to say thank you from the bottom of my heart to all the people who helped me.”