Sir, - May we, through the columns of your newspaper, express our deepest thanks to the members of the Kerry Mountain Rescue Team who came to our aid on July 19th, when we were trapped by poor weather on the Beenkeragh Ridge below Carrantouhill. It was very humbling to realise that 30 or so members of the team dedicated a full day to searching for us in the most appalling conditions.
That we were found within 12 hours of the search beginning that morning is thanks to the team's commitment and persistence as we were well off the Macgillykuddy's Reeks route we had intended to take when we set off the previous morning.
We had fully expected to spend a second night on the mountain, something which, despite being well equipped, we were not looking forward to.
When team members eventually reached us we were treated exceptionally well, with great warmth and even great humour.
We'd also like to thank the proprietors and staff of Kate Kearney's Cottage in the Gap of Dunloe for their wonderful, friendly hospitality when we returned with the team from the mountain, and especially Johnny Walsh and the staff at the Climber's Inn in Glencar for raising the alarm, for their prayers, and for their warmth and their friendship.
May we also thank the Irish media which handled the story sensitively and factually, without any of the over-dramatisation one might have expected in the UK.
We fully intend to return to Kerry soon to complete the walk, hopefully in better weather and without accompanying headlines. - Yours, etc., John Manning, and Helena Smith, The Great Outdoors,
Albion Street, Glasgow.