LIVE: 'Blizzard smocks' required in Tipperary emergency with two people 'disorientated'

South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association (SEMRA) received a call from An Garda Síochána at 5:47pm on Saturday to assist two walkers who had become disorientated

South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association (SEMRA) received a call from An Garda Síochána at 5:47pm on Saturday to assist two walkers who had become disorientated and gone off track in the dark and mist.

Neither of the walkers were injured, but they were unable to find their way back onto the track and made the sensible decision to call for help rather than get into serious trouble.

Team members and three team vehicles responded to forestry tracks above Rathgormac to access the walkers’ location. By 7pm, team members were on the hill and making their way towards the walkers.

They were found at 7:45pm, safe and well but very wet and cold. The walkers were given blizzard smocks—heavy-duty foil-like hooded coverings that protect against wind and rain and help retain body heat.

They were then led down to a warm team vehicle and checked over. A member of An Garda Síochána at the scene brought them back to their own car.

Everyone was safely off the hill by 8:26pm.