Man, 78, suffered fatal head injuries climbing Croagh Patrick
A coroner has warned about the dangers of climbing Croagh Patrick after a pensioner suffered fatal head injuries in a fall last year.
A father of four who sustained fatal head injuries after falling on Croagh Patrick has been praised for donating his body to medical science.
Pat O'Mahony, aged 78, with an address at Harbour View, Westport, died at Mayo University Hospital (MUH) on November 19, 2023, two days after he sustained severe head injuries.
An inquest at Swinford Courthouse heard that the retiree visited The Helm Restaurant in Westport for breakfast on the morning of the accident, as he had done for seven years. Employee Mary Kilroy said Mr O'Mahony was in good form and told her he intended to climb Croagh Patrick, also called 'The Reek'.
"I advised him the weather was not great, but he said he was an experienced hillwalker," she added.
Neilus Fitzpatrick, who was hiking separately on Croagh Patrick, was one of the first to come to the assistance of Mr O’Mahony.
In a statement, Mr Fitzpatrick said he observed a man lying on the ground surrounded by five people. Mr O'Mahony's eyes were open and he was breathing, but there was blood coming from an ear.
"People on the mountain moved around him to keep him warm," he added.
A helicopter arrived a short time later and Mr Fitzpatrick helped to place Mr O'Mahony into a harness before he was hoisted into the helicopter and rushed to MUH. However, he died two days later in the hospital’s intensive care unit.
Consultant pathologist Dr Tamas Nemeth, who carried out a post-mortem, told the inquest that Mr O'Mahony died as a result of traumatic brain haemorrhage, base of skull fracture and head injury, which were caused by a fall. Dr Nemeth said the severity of the injuries meant there was little chance of survival, even if Mr O'Mahony was transferred to Beaumont Hospital in Dublin.
Dr Nemeth said it was “deeply commendable” that Mr O’Mahony opted to donate his body for medical research.
“This selfless act contributed significantly to the advancement of medical science. His contribution will aid in the education of medical professionals and researchers, potentially saving and improving countless lives in the future," he said. “His generosity in making such a decision reflects a profound commitment to the welfare of others and his legacy will continue through the knowledge gained from his contribution."
Recording a verdict of accidental death, coroner Patrick O'Connor said the tragedy showed the dangers involved in climbing Croagh Patrick.
"It is important that when people are climbing they are aware of the conditions and weather but also of their own medical condition."
Mr O'Connor described Mr O'Mahony's decision to donate his body to medical science as "a selfless act".
A member of the O’Mahony family thanked all those who assisted their father, especially the staff at MUH. Mr O'Connor sympathised with the family, while Sgt Greg Fleming offered the condolences of An Garda Síochána.
