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06 Sept 2025

LIVE: Emergency services rush up mountain after reports of 'lights flashing'

Four very surprised campers emerged, unaware that their camp lights had created an alert.

Tipperary Tipperary Tipperary

CREDIT: SEMRA

The South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association - which is based in Clonmel - received a call after a walker had reported seeing "lights flashing on the hill up over Mahon Falls" on the Comeragh Mountains. 

The call came in at 12.30am on June 16 from An Garda Síochána.

A garda vehicle drove out to Mahon Falls to investigate, met with the walker and also saw the lights and then discovered a car still parked at the top car park.

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SEMRA members responded to the car park and three search parties went up the hill along with a local farmer who came to help out.

Irish Coast Guard rescue helicopter was requested to assist also.

Search and Rescue Dog Association (Ireland) search dog Ziggy and handler Mick were also on the hill, closing in fast on the campers location.

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When the helicopter was overhead, they picked up the heat source from a tent and alerted SEMRA members to its location. 

Four very surprised campers emerged, unaware that their camp lights had created an alert.

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Team members returned to the carpark and stand down was issued at 04:19am.

SEMRA has responded several times before to reports of lights/shouts on the hill.

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They added: "Nine times out of ten its night hikers, campers, or logging machinery.

"However, we will always do our best to investigate because someday it’ll be that one time.

"Thank you to the walker who raised the concern and stayed to see it through and to the local farmer for helping out.

"A good outcome and the sunrise wasn't bad either."

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