Man meets up with team that rescued him from Blarney Castle battlement

Wed, 06 Dec, 2023 - 19:38

Sarah Horgan

A US man brought together members of the rescue team who saved him for one of the most heartwarming events council chambers has ever seen.

David Motte from North Carolina launched a book paying tribute to everyone involved in his miraculous rescue from the battlement of Blarney Castle. He had collapsed there five years ago during a cardiac arrest that saw him airlifted to Cork University Hospital.

Numerous members of his rescue team including first responder Kate Durrant and paramedic Ger O’Dea were among links of what is being described as the chain of survival.

They joined other members of the team that David owes his life to in the council chambers of Cork City Hall this week. Lord Mayor councillor Kieran McCarthy was also in attendance.

Paramedic Ger O’Dea described the event as emotional and said: “To have the person come back and shake your hand is a real testament to what you have done.

“With a cardiac arrest you are dealing with someone who has died, so to have them standing in front of you adds extra value to the work you do and its positive impact.

“It also reminds you of the positive effect your work has on the person’s family back home which you get a real sense of when meeting them.”

He reiterated the significance of the event. “It was brilliant. The event was very nice and also very emotional for everyone. We don’t always have the privilege of having someone come back to say thank you.

Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Kieran McCarthy with author David Motte and his wife Joy at the launch of his new book 'The Gift of Blarney while visiting the City Hall in Cork. Also in Picture are the first responders who came to David's aid when he suffered a heart attack while at Blarney Castle. (L -R) Siobhan Hogan, Jeremy Downey, Kieran Staunton, Ger O'Dea, Conor Healy, Martin Coughlan, Victor Shine and Deborah Lynch. David's book recounts his dramatic rescue at the top of Blarney Castle and has returning to Cork with a special gesture for the team that saved his life. Picture: David Creedon

“The fact that he came all this way just to show his gratitude meant a lot to all of us. It was great to have so many links in the chain of survival present on the day.”

Mr O’Dea also paid tribute to Blarney woman Kate Durrant, who is well known locally for her contribution to the community.

“As a first responder, she goes above and beyond in terms of her compassion and humanitarian work.

“She’s also very humble about what she does and I really commend her for all she does in the community.”

The Gift of Blarney will be available on Amazon from February 2024.

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