The Kerry Mountain Rescue Team, Ireland 1971

Members of the Kerry Mountain Rescue Team talk about what they do and current financial difficulties.

The team was established with the objective of rescuing the unfortunate climbers and walkers who get stranded or lost in the Kerry mountains. The service is manned by volunteers but still comes at a price. Three years ago they were given £100 from the local regional tourism organisation, but since then have received no financial assistance.

Mountains are killers and the Kerry mountain ranges have an unenviable reputation for taking lives.

Cathal O’Shannon meets members of the Kerry Mountain Rescue in the hills around Killorglin and chats to Seán Súilleabháin and Paddy O’Callaghan as they are in training for an emergency rescue drill. The two men provide advice for anyone planning a walking, hiking or climbing trip. They highlight the need for urgent funding if an effective rescue service is to continue. They also recall some of the rescues the team have made.

You must respect the mountains for if you don’t you can get into trouble very quickly.

Most of the members of the Kerry Mountain Rescue Team are members of the Laune Mountaineering Club in Killorglin.

This episode of ‘Newsbeat’ was broadcast on 10 March 1971. The reporter is Cathal O’Shannon.