Injured walkers rescued from Glenniff Valley, Sligo

Sligo Leitrim Mountain Rescue Team were called out to Diarmuid and Grainne’s Cave in the Glenniff Valley, Co Sligo on Saturday, January 21 after two walkers suffered injuries.

The walkers were part of a group of nine descending from the cave when the accident occurred. Fifteen Mountain Rescue Team members were accompanied by three ambulances and contact was established with the group.

Both walkers had suspected spinal and lower leg injuries and a party of five mountain rescue personnel and three paramedics were immediately tasked to the scene.

Two further walkers had also been involved in the accident, however they did not suffer any serious injuries and were able to descend the mountain without assistance.

The paramedics assessed both casualties. The first casualty suffered two broken ankles, an injured shoulder, and severe pain. The second casualty was in the early stages of hypothermia and had several soft tissue injuries.

The weather conditions were described as extremely challenging with high winds, rain and fading light and helicopter evacuation was not possible.

Both individuals were brought to the schoolhouse beneath Diarmuid and Grannie’s Cave where they were transferred by ambulance to the Sligo University Hospital.

Their injuries were described as serious but not life-threatening.

The Sligo Leitrim Mountain Rescue team stood down at 9.20pm Saturday night. On social media they thanked their colleagues in NorthWest mountain rescue NAS and an Garda Siochana for their assistance.