Climber rescued after falling at Benwiskin

MOUNTAIN Rescue Team Leader Iain Mounsey has described the rescue of a severely injured young female climber from the Diarmuid and Gráinne cave in the Gleniff Horseshoe on Saturday evening last as “very fortuitous.”

“We received a callout request from the Coastguard service at 1900 hours last Saturday evening,” explained Mr Mounsey.

“Initial reports indicated that a party of two female climbers were descending the steep ground beneath the Diarmuid and Gráinne cave in the Gleniff Horseshoe, one had fallen and sustained potentially very serious injuries.

“Due to falling light, the steep terrain and the potential medical complications an immediate response was vital and in very fortuitous coincidence a Mountain Rescue member was in the vicinity, with equipment, giving a talk to Scouts camping on an adjacent mountain.”

“In unprecedented time we were able to reach the casualty with medical and technical equipment.

“Ambulance crew paramedics were also dispatched along with the Coastguard Rescue 118 helicopter based at Sligo Airport in Strandhill.

“Our primary assessment indicated that the casualty had sustained potentially very serious injuries in a substantial fall onto a rocky unstable ledge.

“Working together Ambulance and Mountain Rescue personnel were able to stabilise the casualty and prepare her for evacuation by helicopter.

“A second mountain rescue member was on site at this stage and, working closely with the Winch man from the helicopter, was able to load the casualty onto a stretcher and winch her safely up to the helicopter.

“This was achieved in challenging circumstances due to the steep and unstable terrain.

“All the emergency services personnel returned safely to the road.

“The injured female was transferred directly to the Emergency Department of Sligo University Hospital by rescue helicopter and we wish her a speedy and full recovery,” concluded Mr. Mounsey.

Diarmuid and Grainne’s cave is located above the cliffs of Annacuna at the back of the Gleniff Horseshoe, the spectacular glacial valley behind Benwiskin and is one of the highest caves in Ireland.

The cave is about 400 metres from the old national school and is a very steep climb to get to.

Circled at the top of the picture from Sligo Mountain Rescue is the Diarmuid and Grainne cave while below in the landmark old school house. The picture gives an indication of how difficult the cave is to access.