Injured hiker rescued from near the summit of Nephin

A hiker with a lower leg injury has been rescued from near the summit of Nephin, Mayo Mountain Rescue has confirmed.

The Coast Guard helicopter from Sligo was tasked to assist in the operation yesterday.

But due to persistent cloud cover, it was unable to lift the patient, despite making several attempts.

The stretcher party arrived at the patient at around 4.30 p.m.

A statement on the Mountain Mountain Rescue team's Facebook page outlined: "Initially the descent was quite rough for both patient and rescuers alike.

"Steep ground with lots of large rocks and boulders that were unstable – they tended toe slide and move when you walked on them.

"After about 20 minutes the team reached easier ground and the reminder of the descent was quite straightforward.

"The patient was dispatched to hospital by ambulance and, after the usual debrief, the team was stood down at 6 p.m."

It was the second consecutive day the unit was involved in a rescue operation, having assisted two walkers who got into difficulties at Mwellrea 24 hours earlier.