Main pic: Celine McGlynn being treated for her injury on Sliabh Liag before being airlifted to hospital.
A Donegal woman has expressed her ‘heartfilled gratitude’ to the emergency services involved in her dramatic rescue on Sliabh Liag two weeks ago.
Celine McGlynn from Ballybofey, editor of the Finn Valley Voice, was descending the Pilgrim’s Path with her husband Bartley and daughter Maeve when she slipped and badly broke her ankle.
The volunteer Donegal Mountain Rescue Team and Killybegs Coast Guard were both tasked and quickly reached the scene. However, due to Celine’s worsening condition, the decision was made to request assistance from Rescue 118, the Irish Coast Guard helicopter. Upon arrival at the scene, Rescue 118 personnel provided medical aid before safely lifting her from the clifftop and transferring the injured hiker to Letterkenny University Hospital (LUH) for further treatment.
Celine took to social media to pay tribute to all those involved in the rescue.
“I’m writing this post with a heart filled with gratitude to my family, friends, the crew of Rescue 118 and Letterkenny University Hospital after a fall on Sliabh Liag on Sunday week last that resulted in a broken ankle,” she said.
Celine McGlynn of the Finn Valley Voice and Francis Diver of the Tirconnaill Tribune at last year’s Donegal Person of the Year Gala Award Dinner.
“My grateful thanks also to the Killybegs Coastguard team and Donegal Mountain Rescue who were also on their way to where the fall happened.”
The crew of Rescue 118 included Celine’s neighbour, Gavin Playle, Winch Operator, Conal McCarron, Winchman, Dave Cleary, Trainee Winchman, Ciaran Duignan, Captain/Pilot and Mark O’Callaghan, Co Pilot.
“With their swift response, professionalism, expertise and dedication brought me to Letterkenny University Hospital in record time. They are nothing short of heroic and I am deeply grateful.”
She also thanked her husband Bartley, daughter Maeve and friend Will.
“My companions on the climb, they were beyond wonderful and made sure I stayed warm and relayed all the vital information to the emergency services.
My heartfelt gratitude also to my medical team at Letterkenny University Hospital who work so well under so much pressure.”
