Killarney Christmas Annual 2016
over six months later. Sadly, the Team has attended over 40 fatalities over the years, many in the immediate Carrauntoohil area. This is an unfortunate but necessary part of the job which members take on when they join the Team. On a lighter note, many of the early Team members still enjoy a chuckle over the ‘missing’ honeymoon couple, who were eventually found tucked up safe and well in their tent after trying to get away from the crowds. As one Team member said,
Christmas Eve in Rural Kerry… -Mrs Eileen Cronin, Cronin’s Yard, Mealis Beaufort, Co.Kerry, lives at the Foothills of the McGillycuddy Reeks, at the entrance to the Hag’s Glen, the traditional starting point for ascents of Carrauntoohil and The McGillycuddy’s Reeks. Six years ago her son John, a member of Kerry Mountain Rescue Team and his Wife Ester, opened a coffee shop with open an fire and modern facilities in the yard. Mrs Cronin still enjoys meeting visitors, but regards her home as “The real Head Quarters’’. One Girl and her Dog...Tara Foley (11 years) of Cuas, Co Kerry, with her Sheep Dog ‘Knockmaa Zweep’
Eugene and Mary Tangney, Doogara, The Black Valley The original Mountain Man...Con Moriarty one of the early poineers of climbing and mountaineering in the Reeks.
Farmers Shane, Donal and Kieran Doona of Coornameana
“It was hard to know whether it was us or them who had the reddest face when we unzipped the tent!” Today’s Team would like to say a very big thank you to all past members and supporters, whose efforts have helped to build up the Team over the years. Our hats go off to the participants in some of the heroic rescues of the past, which were achieved without all the equipment and training we have come to depend on today. May the next 50 years be as successful as the first! Today, when I hear the sound of the Coast Guard helicopter heading for the Reeks I think of the brave volunteers and the dangers that they face the mountains helping those in need. Killarney salute you...
Tim Long, Dan Daly and Eamonn O’Connor, on Howling Ridge
Photos from ‘The McGillycuddy’s Reeks’ Book by Valerie O’Sullivan
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