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25th March 2024
05:15pm GMT
A 78-year-old man has been praised for donating his body to medical science following a fatal fall on Croagh Patrick last year.
Mr Patrick O'Connor, the coroner for the District of Mayo, echoed praise from pathologists earlier for the late Pat O'Mahony who died in November.
Mr O'Connor referred to Mr. O'Mahony's decision to donate his body to science as an act of 'selflessness'.
Mr O'Mahony, who was formerly Chairman of the Irish Medicines Board, had planned for his body to be donated to science following his death, a move which was massively praised by many in the medical community.
Dr Tamas Nemeth, the pathologist who carried out Mr O'Mahony's post mortem wrote that it was “deeply commendable” that O’Mahony donated his body for medical research.
He added: “This selfless act contributed significantly to the advancement of medical science. His contribution will aid in the education of medical professionals and researchers, potentially saving and improving countless lives in the future.
“His generosity in making such a decision reflects a profound commitment to the welfare of others and his legacy will continue through the knowledge gained from his contribution."
Mary Kilroy, who works at The Helm in Westport, told of how Mr O'Mahony called for breakfast on the morning of his Croagh Patrick climb. She said that "he was in good form" and told her "he was getting a bus to Croagh Patrick".
Kilroy told Mr O'Mahony that the weather wasn't great but he replied and told her he was "an experienced hillwalker".
Following a fall on the mountain, Mr O'Mahony was taken by air ambulance to Mayo University Hospital where he passed away the following day.
He died as a result of traumatic brain haemorrhage, base of skull fracture, and head injuries.
A member of Mr O'Mahony's family said that they appreciated the help given to him on the mountain as well as by those who assisted him in Mayo University Hospital.
The death notice of Mr O'Mahony states that he died following a "final adventure on the summit of Croagh Patrick".
It continues to say that he "was the beloved father of Conor, Ciara, Eimear and David, and loving grandfather to Eva, Jamie, Carla, Jane, and Cara".
The notice concludes that "Pat passed away peacefully in the wonderful care of the staff of Mayo University Hospital surrounded by loved ones.
"His remains have been donated to University of Galway in accordance with his wish to aid in the silent teaching of medical students."
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