In a major search and rescue operation on the Galtee Mountains in County Tipperary on Sunday evening, April 26th 2009, two people were rescued and nine were assisted off the Mountains. In a five-hour operation, involving search teams from SEMRA and a search dog team from the "Search & Rescue Dog Association" (SARDA), two female walkers that had become separated from a family group were located. The two, who were very cold and wet, were found between Galtymore and Galtybeg, in what was described as terrible weather conditions. They were given clothing and food and rewarmed before they were taken off the mountain. The remainder of the family party also became lost on Galtymore, but managed to make their way into the Glen of Aherlow. As the search for the two female walkers began, four other walkers became lost on Galtymore. Fortunately for them, they were able to make their way down the mountain and be picked up by Mountain Rescue personnel, or made their own way back to their cars.
SEMRA would like to thank two hillwalkers from the UK who gave assistance in locating the two female walkers, their intervention and help saved a lot of time and was much appreciated by all. Team Leader, Michael Power, said "very poor weather conditions descended on the mountains and people who were unprepared got caught out," he reminded people that if they intend to walk in the mountains, "they should go prepared, with map & compass and the proper clothing, footwear and food, and not to rely on mobile phones to get out of trouble."
Members of South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association made their TV debuts recently when a team training day was featured in a special edition of Nationwide, RTE's long-running magazine programme. A camera crew followed the team as it went through a real-time scenario which involved deployment of personnel and equipment by the Coast Guard Sikorsky S61 helicopter, followed by a search and rescue.