Hiker who died after fall on mountain praised for donating body to science

An accomplished businessman who died from head injuries he sustained from a fall on Croagh Patrick donated his body to medical science.

Patrick O’Mahony (78), of Barbourhill, Westport, Co Mayo, was praised by Mayo coroner Pat O’Connor at his inquest yesterday for his selfless and generous decision to donate his body.

Mr O’Mahony, a keen hiker and mountain climber, suffered a serious fall on Croagh Patrick during bad weather on November 17 last.

Despite the best efforts of emergency responders and staff at Mayo University Hospital (MUH), Mr O’Mahony, who sustained severe head injuries, could not be saved.

Mr O’Connor, together with the pathologists who cared for Mr O’Mahony, commended his “vital” and “important” decision to donate his remains.

Mr O’Mahony was the former chairman of the Irish Medicines Board and provided assistance to the banking inquiry in an advisory role.

Pathologist at MUH, Dr Tamas Nemeth, in his autopsy report said Mr O’Mahony’s decision to donate his body was “deeply commendable”.

Dr Nemeth wrote: “This selfless act contributed significantly to the advancement of medical science.

“His contribution will aid in the education of medical professionals and researchers, potentially saving and improving countless lives in the future,” he wrote.

“His generosity in making such a decision reflects a profound commitment to the welfare of others and his legacy will continue through the knowledge gained from his contribution.”

Neilus Fitzpatrick, a fellow climber on Croagh Patrick on November 17, went to Mr O’Mahony’s help on the mountain.

In his deposition, which was read to the inquest, he said he saw a man on the ground with a group of people surrounding him.

“His eyes were open, and he was breathing,” Mr Fitzpatrick said in his statement.

“People on the mountain moved around him to keep him warm.”

An air ambulance later arrived. When the time came, Mr Fitzpatrick assisted Mr O’Mahony into the helicopter which airlifted him to MUH.

Mary Kilroy, an employee of The Helm, Westport, gave evidence that Mr O’Mahony called for breakfast on November 17 as he had done for seven years.

“He was in good form,” Ms Kilroy said in a statement, which was read on her behalf to the inquest.

“He said he was getting a bus to Croagh Patrick. I advised him the weather was not great but he said he was an experienced hillwalker.”

Mr O’Mahony was brought by air ambulance to MUH.

He died in the hospital’s intensive care unit the following day.

Medical evidence heard Mr O’Mahony died as a result of traumatic brain haemorrhage and multiple skull fractures.

The inquest heard that even if Mr O’Mahony had been fit to be transferred to Beaumont Hospital, his chances of survival would have been very limited.

“Unfortunately, his condition did not permit the transport,” the pathologist’s report said.

Mr O’Connor returned a verdict of accidental death.

Mr O’Mahony’s brother Barry, on behalf of his family, expressed their deep appreciation for the great care received by his brother in MUH and on the mountainside.

“Pat had a very dignified passing thanks to them,” he said.