Kerry Mountain Rescue is a voluntary emergency service that provides 24-7-365 ‘on call’ assistance to climbers and walkers in distress on the mountains and upland areas of Kerry and West Cork. The team comprises of 38 volunteers from all walks of life who are available to respond to emergencies in the mountains at any hour of the day or night, and often in the harshest weather conditions. The team is based in Killarney with an area of operation covering the mountains of the Iveragh, Dingle and Beara peninsulas. Team members are all experienced mountaineers and train regularly in specialist rescue disciplines such as casualty care, technical ropework for casualty extraction, helicopter winching, search management, navigation, radio communication and 4WD techniques.

Callout types range from dealing with fatalities and traumatically injured casualties to lost parties and minor injuries or ailments. Slips and falls account for the majority of callouts and the McGillycuddy Reeks is the team’s busiest area of operation. The past 2 years have been the busiest since the team’s formation in 1966, with 124 incidents dealt with in the period between January 2021 and December 2022.

Annual running costs are significant and rely mostly on public donations. Given the recent trend in increasing callout numbers and subsequent strain on existing resources, there is an immediate need for a base extension and the replacement of technical equipment. Funds from the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle 2023 will greatly assist the team with offsetting the expenses associated with the extension and the procurement of essential rescue equipment.

Thank you for choosing Kerry Mountain Rescue as your designated Charity for the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle 2023. If you have any queries or need any support in your fundraising, please email [email protected]. We are very grateful for your support.