In a five hour operation, a couple in their 50's were assisted off a treacherous area of steep ground overlooking Bay Lough in the Knockmealdowns Mountains this evening (June 15th).
Mountain Rescue spotters, who were able to make visual contact with the two experienced hill walkers, guided rescuers in by radio to the location in very dense rhododendron forest.
To avoid a risky and arduous trek back up the slopes of Knockshanahullion, Cahir River Rescue responded to help complete the last leg of the journey, transporting the two along with Mountain Rescue personnel across Bay Lough to safety.
According to Team Leader, Ray Bradfield, the two walkers were experienced and well equipped but were trying to make their way through terrain which is no longer navigable due to the proliferation of rhododendron in that area.
"A combined response from An Garda Siochana, Cahir River Search and Rescue, and Mountain Rescue was required due to the challenging nature of the terrain in this incident and all services played their part in ensuring a successful outcome."
Rescue At Coumshingaun Lake, Comeragh Mountains, County Waterford
0 comments Posted by Ray at 1:31 PMOn Sunday afternoon last (March 9th 2014) SEMRA received a tasking to come to the assistance of a group of Scouts, one of whom sustained a lower leg injury while descending from Coumshingaun Lake in the Comeragh Mountains in County Waterford. Weather conditions on the day were unfavorable for a Helicopter Rescue. A crew member from Rescue 117 was deployed to the scene and aided Semra in the stretcher carry of the casualty from the hill to the waiting HSE Ambulance.
Many thanks to An Garda Siochana, Waterford; Irish Coast Guard Marine Rescue Co-ordination Centre, Dublin; Rescue 117, Waterford; and the HSE Ambulance Service for a job well done.
If you find yourself in difficulty in the mountains please call emergency numbers 999/112 and ask for Mountain Rescue. South East Mountain rescue is a 24/7 , 365 voluntary emergency service covering all the mountains of the South East of Ireland.
In April this year South Eastern Mountain Rescue will move into their new vehicle and equipment storage facility in the grounds of Clonmel Fire Brigade in Clonmel Town, County Tipperary. This facility will provide a centralised storage location for three SEMRA vehicles and team equipment. It will have the capacity to clean and dry equipment after a training exercise or team callout. This will ensure the team is in a state of readiness for a subsequent tasking in a reduced time frame. It will serve all geographical regions which SEMRA are directly involved in which includes but is not limited to counties Tipperary, Waterford, Carlow, Kilkenny and Cork. This new facility will assist SEMRA in providing a sustainable service in the community.
Should you require any further details on the above please do not hesitate in contacting:
semrapro@gmail.com
Annie Ryan
PRO South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association
Tel: 086 1905726
At 12 noon , March 1st, SEMRA was tasked to come to the assistance of a male walker who had sustained a lower leg injury while climbing in the Mahon Falls area of the Comeragh Mountains in Co.Waterford.
The man was a member of a very experienced and well equipped group of walkers who were climbing one of the gullies on the western side of Coummahon. Conditions underfoot were treacherous after weeks of incessant rain, causing the man to slip, injuring his hand and lower leg. His walking buddies made him as comfortable as possible until SEMRA personnel arrived on scene.
On this occasion, cloud cover was too low at the casualty site for a helicopter evacuation to be feasible. Due to the steep and unstable terrain, a multi-point anchor system was required to safely lower the casualty in a stretcher down a 500 metre slope to a team 4x4 vehicle. The casualty was transferred to a waiting ambulance at 1630hrs. Many thanks to An Garda Siochana, and the HSE Ambulance Service for a seamless multi-agency response.
If you find yourself in difficulty in the mountains please call emergency numbers 999/112 and ask for Mountain Rescue. South East Mountain rescue is a 24/7, 365 voluntary emergency service covering all the mountains of the South East of Ireland.
In April this year South Eastern Mountain Rescue will move into their new vehicle and equipment storage facility in the grounds of Clonmel Fire Brigade in Clonmel Town, County Tipperary. This facility will provide a centralised storage location for three SEMRA vehicles and team equipment. It will have the capacity to clean and dry equipment after a training exercise or team callout. This will ensure the team is in a state of readiness for a subsequent tasking in a reduced time frame. It will serve all geographical regions which SEMRA are directly involved in which includes but is not limited to counties Tipperary, Waterford, Carlow, Kilkenny and Cork. This new facility will assist SEMRA in providing a sustainable service in the community.
On Sunday last June 16th 2013 members South Eastern Mountain Rescue were on a training day in the Galty Mountains when a call came in about an injured walker in the vicinity of the Black Road Skeheenarinky, Cahir County Tipperary. This area happened to be close to where the team were training. A female walker who was taking part in a charity climb on Galty Mor sustained a fall and suffered a suspected ankle injury. Team Training was immediately halted and a party was deployed onto the hill in a 4x4. Conditions were poor, bad visibility and rain meant that by the time the team made contact with the casualty both the injured lady and her husband were very cold. Both were treated by team medics. Red Cross members were in attendance for the charity event and aided Semra in getting the woman off the hill into a waiting ambulance.
South Eastern Mountain Rescue acknowledge the assistance given by members of the Irish Red Cross.
Should any walkers need our assistance on the mountains, please call 999 or 112 and ask for Mountain Rescue. South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association is an emergency 24/ 7/ 365 , voluntary Search and Rescue team covering all the Mountains of the South East of Ireland and is funded mainly by donation and public generosity.
This year 2013 the Team also have a large fundraising project on the go. Our aim is to build a vehicle storage unit based in the South East.This however is a massive undertaking and means we require a large boost of income to facilitate our dreams.
South Eastern Mountain Rescue responded to a call in the Galty Mountains Sunday last April 28th 2013. A male walker suffered a fall descending the mountains near Lough Curra and sustained a lower leg injury.
South Eastern Mountain Rescue issued a full team call out. Members made their way to the Clydagh Bridge area of the Glen of Aherlow where an incident base was established.
Team members were deployed onto the hill and once located, the casualty was assessed and prepared for transfer off the mountain. Rescue 117 and H.S.E. Ambulance Crew were also on scene and aided by Semra winched the injured party from the hill. The casualty was taken by helicopter to Waterford Regional Hospital for further treatment.
Should any walkers need our assistance on the mountains, please call 999 or 112 and ask for Mountain Rescue, South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association is an emergency 24/ 7/ 365 , voluntary Search and Rescue team covering all the Mountains of the South East of Ireland and is funded mainly by donation and public generosity.
This year 2013 the Team also have a large fundraising project on the go. Our aim is to build a vehicle storage unit based in the South East.This however is a massive undertaking and means we require a large boost of income to facilitate our dream
Just after 1.40pm on Sunday April 7th 2013 South Eastern Mountain Rescue responded to a call about an injured walker in the Knockmealdown Mountains. A male member of a walking group suffered a fall and sustained a lower leg injury. South Eastern Mountain Rescue issued a full team call out. Members made their way to the Baylough Car park where an incident base was established. Walking group members tended to the injured man until SEMRA members arrived at the incident site.
Rescue 117 was also deployed to the area. Weather conditions on the day made this a challenging rescue with severe winds, SEMRA members assisted the heli crew and the casualty was successfully airlifted from the hill and transferred to Waterford Regional Hospital for further treatment.
Should any walkers need our assistance on the mountains, please call 999 or 112 and ask for Mountain Rescue.
South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association is an emergency 24/ 7/ 365, voluntary Search and Rescue team covering all the Mountains of the South East of Ireland and is funded mainly by donation and public generosity. This year 2013 the Team also have a large fundraising project on the go. Our aim is to build a vehicle storage unit based in the South East.This however is a massive undertaking and means we require a large boost of income to facilitate our dreams. If you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact SEMRA PRO Annie Ryan at 086 1905726.
Two Ladies who had been out walking in the vicinity of Coumshingaun Lake had gotten into difficulty. One lady fell and sustained a lower leg injury. They immediately contacted Emergency Services and South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association members rapidly made their way to the site of the incident.
An Incident Base was established in Kilclooney Woods which lies in the direction of the Lemybrien - Carrick on Suir Road. Once located and assessed assistance was sought from MRCC and Rescue 117 was tasked to the scene. The lady with the lower leg injury was airlifted to Waterford Regional Hospital for further treatment. The other walker was assisted off the hill by SEMRA members.
Should any walkers need our assistance on the mountains, please call 999 or 112 and ask for Mountain Rescue.
South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association is an emergency 24/ 7/ 365, voluntary Search and Rescue team covering all the Mountains of the South East of Ireland and is funded mainly by donation and public generosity. This year 2013 the Team also have a large fundraising project on the go. Our aim is to build a vehicle storage unit based in the South East.This however is a massive undertaking and means we require a large boost of income to facilitate our dreams.
Name: Laura Esmonde
Lives: Tipperary Town
Occupation: Retail Sales Facilitator i.e. A checkout operator
In the team since: 2011
Current position in the team: Full Team Member
Lowlights: Standing around in the cold in all weather conditions discussing ad infinitum how we could have carried the stretcher a bit better or improved on that days training in some way and just when you think it's finally time to go into the car and warm up somebody else will keep the show going with some other point that has to be made.
Highlights: Anything to do with going in the helicopters. Even putting someone on the heli is fun you have to remember not to smile too much or the person in the stretcher will think you’re sadistic but the helicopters are definitely one of the best bits. Helping out at Croagh Patrick last year was good too (there was 2 heli evacuations)
South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association Now Recruiting New Team Members
0 comments Posted by Ray at 9:03 AM
South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association is now recruiting new mountain rescue team members to commence training in September 2013.
The team is looking for hill walkers and climbers who have good mountaineering and team working skills and a good knowledge of the mountains of the South East. A significant time commitment can be expected to be involved in training and callouts.
If you have the skills and the commitment to volunteer as a mountain rescue team member, email info@semra.ie to receive an application form. For further information about the team, check out www.semra.ie
South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association is an emergency 24/ 7/ 365 , voluntary Search and Rescue team covering all the Mountains of the South East of Ireland.
South Eastern Mountain Rescue had a busy weekend. On Saturday afternoon January 26th 2013 at approx 3pm the team responded to a call from 999 informing them that a lady had fallen in the Western end of the Galty Mountains. A full team call out ensued. Many team members were in Doolin County Clare attending the Annual General Meeting of Mountain Rescue Ireland. Assistance was sought from Tramore Rescue Team who also responded to the call with SEMRA members. Upon arrival a party was deployed onto the hill. Once located the casualty was assessed by the team medics. Having suffered a lower leg injury the lady was transferred from the hill to a waiting HSE Ambulance. Conditions were very wet underfoot on the day.
On Sunday morning January 27th at 10.51am another call came alerting the team of a male walker who sustained a suspected lower leg injury on Slievenamon. SEMRA were tasked by Clonmel Gardai. Again a full team call out was put in place and members made their way to Slievenamon. Once located the casualty was assessed. SEMRA sought assistance from MRCC ( Maritime Rescue Co-Ordination Centre ) and Rescue 117 was deployed to the scene to assist SEMRA. The casualty was airlifted from the hill to Waterford Regional Hospital where further treatment was carried out.
South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association is an emergency 24/ 7/365 , voluntary Search and Rescue team covering all the Mountains of the South East of Ireland and is funded mainly by donation and public generosity.
Should you require any further information on this please contact:
Annie Ryan
PRO South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association
Tel: 086 1905726
South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association Callout In The Comeraghs
0 comments Posted by Ray at 2:48 PMJust before 1pm on Saturday 19th January 2013 South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association (SEMRA) responded to a callout from Emergency Services regarding a group of injured walkers in The Comeragh Mountains. The walkers had been attempting to climb a gully in the vicinity of Coumshingaun Lake when they got into difficulty. Following a week of wet weather and torrential rain the night before the incident took place, three of the four climbers slipped and fell from a height of c 30 -50 metres. They immediately contacted Emergency Services and South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association members rapidly made their way to the site of the incident.
An Incident Base was established in Kilcloony Woods which lies in the direction of the Lemybrien - Carrick on Suir road. The injured walkers were assessed by SEMRA paramedics and found to have upper body injuries sustained from the fall. Conditions were wet under foot and the callout occurred in heavy drizzle. The Fire Service and HSE ambulance services also attended the incident and the casualties were transported to Waterford Regional Hospital for medical assistance.
SEMRA received an emergency call later the same afternoon regarding walkers in The Galtees who also found themselves in difficulty.
Team Leader Ray Bradfield commented " In this wet winter weather it's not surprising for us to experience a surge in callouts. We appeal to walkers to exercise extreme caution when considering taking to the hills at this time of the year . Always check a reliable weather forecast particular to the area, bring plenty food and a hot drink, wear correct walking attire to include hillwalking boots and bring extra layers of clothes and waterproofs.The mountains have a unique microclimate and the weather there can change with alarming speed. Should any walkers need our assistance on the mountains, please call 999 or 112 and ask for Mountain Rescue."
South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association is an emergency 24/ 7/ 365 , voluntary Search and Rescue team covering all the Mountains of the South East of Ireland and is funded mainly by donation and public generosity.
Should you require any further information on this please contact:
Deirdre Phelan
PRO South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association
Telephone: 086 2349318
South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association Night Search In The Knockmealdown Mountains
0 comments Posted by Ray at 1:53 PM
On Saturday 29th September at 8pm South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association (SEMRA) received a call from Cahir Garda Station alerting them to a lost walker in The Knockmealdowns. Following communication between the SEMRA Search Leader and the lost walker, it was established that the missing individual had become disorientated while making his way from the high point at Knockshanahullion to a lower elevation. The individual was a solo walker , a local man in his thirties and had spent quite some time trying to relocate . As the natural light faded, he called 112 Emergency Services and requested the help of Mountain Rescue.
A full team callout ensued and SEMRA members and team vehicles made their way to Baylough car park in The Knockmealdowns where base was established. Weather conditions were very cold and windy, with earlier mist clearing to allow mainly good night visibility. The South Eastern Mountain Rescue Search Leader was in contact by mobile phone with the lost man at all times. Combining the local knowledge of the team and information from the lost individual , an area of high probability of the location of the lost walker was agreed. Four Mountain Rescue search parties together with two search dogs from the Search and Rescue Dog Association were dispatched onto the hill and saturated the area.
The lost man was located at approx 2 am and found to be very cold but not hypthermic. In good condition and greatly relieved to be found, the walker returned to base with SEMRA members.
South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association is an emergency 24/ 7/ 365 , voluntary Search and Rescue team covering all the Mountains of the South East of Ireland and is funded mainly by donation and public generosity.
Should you require any further information on this please contact:
-
Deirdre Phelan
PRO South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association
T: 086 2349318
Take Part In Exciting Iconic Abseil Events & Support Mountain Rescue Ireland !
0 comments Posted by Ray at 6:59 PM'Spellga Dam' in Mourne Mountains and 'Dwyers Rock' in Wicklow Mountains
Download: Brochure (.pdf file)
Mountain Rescue Ireland (the organisation which oversees the twelve Mountain Rescue teams in Ireland) is holding two fundraising abseils on Saturday 28th July, 2012.
One is at Spelga Dam in the Mourne Mountains, County Down and the other is at Dwyer's Rock in County Wicklow. This is the first time that MRI has gone down the abseil route in fundraising terms, and we are very fortunate to have secured the first ever access for public abseil down the iconic Spelga Dam and the Wicklow abseil is from Dwyer's Rock, where the panoramic views are simply stunning!
If you're in tune with the great outdoors and enjoy your fresh air laced with good sized bursts of adrenalin, then look no further than the Mountain Rescue Ireland 2012 Abseil Events!
Saturday 28th July is your chance to become an MRI 'Dambuster' or 'RockStar'...and raise money for an organisation that one day might save your life!
Get family and friends to sponsor you for an experience that will rock your world. Whether you already like to swing at the weekends, or are contemplating your first ever vicarious vault into the void, don't hang about - places are strictly limited!
It's great doing it in groups, and age is no barrier!
Registration
Registration is online at www.eventelephant.com/dambusters for the Mournes Abseil and www.eventelephant.com/rockstars personal fundraising pages can be set up at www.mycharity.ie/charity/mountain_rescue_ireland
Contact Details
Abseils will take place from 9am 'til 5pm on Saturday 28th July, and those taking part will be notified in advance of their time slot. For more information, contact Mountain Rescue Ireland Fundraising Officer Sharon Power - Tel (087) 2590290 or (085) 722 8164 or email fundraising@mountainrescue.ie
At approximately 8.30pm this evening South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association responded to a callout from HSE Ambulance Control regarding an injured walker in The Comeragh Mountains. The casualty was in the area of Kilcloony Woods which lies in the direction of the Lemybrien - Carrick on suir road. 20 Mountain Rescue members attended the callout, where the injured party was attended to and prepared for evacuation. 9 members of Tramore Cliff and Mountain Rescue were also on standby. Conditions were wet under foot and the callout occurred in heavy drizzle and fading light. The Coastguard helicopter Rescue 117 from Waterford attended and transported the casualty to Waterford Regional Hospital for medical assistance.
South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association is an emergency 24/ 7/ 365 , voluntary Search and Rescue team covering all the Mountains of the South East of Ireland and is funded mainly by donation and public generosity.
At approx 4pm Saturday 5th May 2012 South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association (SEMRA) received a request from Gardai in Waterford to attend an incident in The Comeragh Mountains. A group of 15 were hillwalking in the area of Knockanaffrin Ridge in the Comeraghs, when a female member of the group fell and sustained a lower leg injury. The group dialled 999 and asked for Mountain Rescue.
A full team call out ensued and SEMRA members rapidly made their way to the casualty site. SEMRA requested the assistance of Rescue 117 search and rescue helicopter from Waterford. The weather was clear with significant wind speed - ideal conditions for the use of a helicopter. The winchman and team of Rescue 117 transported the casualty to Waterford Regional Hospital for further treatment.
According to Ray Bradfield Team Leader "We enjoy an excellent, long standing relationship with members of The Coastguard and only recently attended a heli-school day with the crew of Rescue 117 for our newer mountain rescue members. This included winching our members on and off the search and rescue helicopter and preparation of a casualty, similar to the actual incident that occurred in The Comeraghs last weekend. We keep our training as close to real life callouts as possible so we can ensure the most efficient and professional treatment and delivery of an injured party."
A date for your diaries... Saturday 9th June... Kingsyard to Galtymore. Great walking, Great craic afterwards and half the proceeds raised go to SEMRA.
Celebrate 50th Anniversary of Patrician Year Cross on Galtymore.
Mark the 9th of June 2012 into your diary and come and join us in celebrating this event with a walk to Galtymore from Kingsyard and barbecue and music on your return to Kingsyard. A plaque to commemorate the 50th Anniversary will be unveiled at 1.30pm in Kingsyard with the walk starting at 2pm from Kingsyard to Galtymore. There will be a BBQ on return (catering by ECO Bus Café) and music provided by Ballyduff Comhaltas from 7.00pm.
We would be grateful if you would log your interest in attending the event so we arrange the appropriate catering. You can log your interest by calling one of the numbers below.
A GREAT DAY AND NIGHT ASSURED!!!!
All proceeds going to Charities SEMRA and Bru Columbanus Cork.
Enquiries to:
025 84903
087 6573276
086 1945585
A female walker who was out with a walking group in the Galtees today sustained a lower leg injury on the mountains. South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association were holding a training session in the Galtees today and were at the scene of the incident within five minutes. The injured party was stretchered off the mountain to the road at the Glen of Aherlow side. She was transported by HSE ambulance to South Tipperary General Hospital in Clonmel. Conditions on the day were good, with cloud only at high level and a clear day otherwise.
Name: Pat Holland
Lives: Cahir, Co.Tipperary.
Occupation: A lapsed archaeologist, ex-museum curator, now a development officer.
Interests: Still archaeology, history, but moving into psychology/personal development and life coaching over the last few years. Hillwalking, some diving/snorkeling, collecting too many books and leylandii hedge bashing.
In the team since: sometime in the late 1980’s. Things not so formal then.
Current position in the team: Elder lemon cluttering up the place.
Previous positions held: Deputy Team leader, Chairman, Trainee co-coordinator, pyrotechnic tester, IMRA Chairman.
Lowlights: driving home one night knowing we had not found the casualty on one of my early call outs was a sobering occasion.
Highlights: Finding the lost person! Being part of a great team that cares for each other and for the casualty. Witnessing the amazing achievements of skilled professional volunteers on major call outs. Knowing that the people coming after me know more than I did then.
I`ve just returned from a weird and wonderful adventure with South Eastern Mountain Rescue. The annual summer pilgrimage in Ireland when 30,000 people walk the stony worn routes to Croagh Patrick.
This year is my first visit, and we travelled 6 hours north to sleep on a gymnasium floor in Rice College in Westport -camping indoors was how they described it - to rise very early and report to Mayo Rescue base and be tasked with work on the mountain. Teams from all over Ireland were sent up in shifts to maintain a chain. Studying all the different teams was interesting in itself.
The cloud came down and we had fog, drizzle and rain continuously until the mountain path was churned like ready mixed concrete! The devoted pilgrims looked like a procession of characters from some strange carnival. Many walked the long route barefoot! One scrambled on all fours. There were little ones, old ones, yoga gurus, the disabled, young roughnecks, women in skimpy outfits, travellers, an American wearing a T shirt with the slogan "I make stuff up" who held an audience all the way and confronted people with silly "Hey, don`t I know you from Tinselstadt in Germany?" then flashed his T shirt.
There were whites and blacks, fat and skeletal, cameras and TV crews, sponsored walkers, ancient eccentrics....mindblowing to watch all of this. And every so often we were given applause as MR crews "doing the good work" (unquote), carrying such heavy loads etc. - mildly embarrassing as we plodded up and down.
We in our team did two stretcher carry-offs. There were 16 casualties taken off during our shift, which ended 6.30pm and the pilgrims were STILL coming up the mountain as the day was ending.
Amazing. Incredible. I slept hardly at all, and arrived home at 1am this morning, filthy, wet and worn out. I think I have my wife worn out replaying the tapes as I remember some of the sights we saw. There were three Germans, I`d guess, who, among the filthy laughing throng, came down from the summit with serious faces; Mum, Dad and daughter maybe 16 years old. They were in rain capes and were slow and immaculately clean while everyone else was muddy and dirty from falls and scrambles. We saw large grown women fall headlong among the rocks, caught off balance, and we had our hands full carrying a casualty already.
The team members were very supportive and we all enjoyed the spectacle and the work. Most amazing of all was to pause, stand and listen……to a sound like distant seagulls, the scrunching of rocks and stones, and the static effect it all created.
You can tell I`ve been impressed….
A huge thank you to all my friends and team mates!!!
Robin