Hiker hospitalised after he is hit by falling sheep on Irish mountain

A rescue team of 17 people treats the teenager on a steep slope on Slieve Bearnagh

Mourne Mountain Rescue Team found the injured teenager on steep ground in Slieve Bearnagh. Photograph: Mourne Mountain Rescue Team
Mourne Mountain Rescue Team found the injured teenager on steep ground in Slieve Bearnagh. Photograph: Mourne Mountain Rescue Team

A hiker was injured after being hit by a falling sheep while walking on the Mourne Mountains in Co Down.

The teenage boy was walking with a group near Hares Gap when he was struck by a sheep jumping from an adjacent crag on Friday.

Mourne Mountain Rescue Team said they received a call for help about 4.30pm.

The rescue team of 17 people found the teenager on a steep slope on Slieve Bearnagh.

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"The casualty was assessed and treated for a range of potential injuries including head, neck, back, abdominal and leg injuries," the group said in a Facebook post.

The teen was evacuated by stretcher and taken to Ulster Hospital for treatment.

“We believe the sheep was uninjured and left the area unaided,” the team said.

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Rachel Flaherty

Rachel Flaherty

Rachel Flaherty is Digital Features Editor and journalist with The Irish Times