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Defibrillator vandalised on summit of Croagh Patrick

Act of ‘absolute stupidity’ means emergency unit used to save lives now needs to be replaced

Croagh Patrick, with its 764m peak, is popular with pilgrims and outdoor enthusiasts. Photograph: Conor McKeown
Croagh Patrick, with its 764m peak, is popular with pilgrims and outdoor enthusiasts. Photograph: Conor McKeown
Tom Shiel
Wed Dec 04 2024 - 16:21

Gardaí are investigating criminal damage to a defibrillator at the summit of Croagh Patrick in Co Mayo.

The vandalised emergency unit is being forensically examined at Westport Garda station, having been brought there earlier this week by Mayo-based engineer Darren Forde.

Mr Forde, a community first responder, spearheaded an initiative early last year to place solar-powered defibrillators on the mountain, which attracts thousands of pilgrims and outdoor enthusiasts each year.

After climbing the 764m peak in predawn hours this week to retrieve the damaged unit, Mr Forde said the front door of the eco-cabinet had been smashed with a stone and critical components removed.

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“This is absolute stupidity”, he said. “I just can’t get my head around why anybody would want to do this.

“The [three] units which we had placed at various locations on the ascent saved lives on a number of occasions”.

A number of benefactors, including local sponsors, footed the bill for the installation of the defibrillators and the Irish Air Corps provided the helicopter needed to hoist the units into place.

Mr Forde said the summit-top defibrillator will take a while to replace.

[ Croagh Patrick’s new pathway: ‘I think I’ll bring my six-year-old next time’ ]

“It got through all the wind, all the rain, all the snow, working perfectly, now this. After the door was forced off the water wrecked the electrics. Thankfully the units at the other locations on the mountain are functioning”.