An injured walker was airlifted from Coumshingaun after suffering a lower leg injury on Sunday afternoon.

South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association (SEMRA) says it was tasked by An Garda Síochána at 4.39pm to assist the casualty, with team members making their way to the scene from Kilclooney.

While ascending the mountain, rescuers reported seeing smoke from nearby wildfires drifting across the hills towards Coumshingaun.

The Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 117, which was carrying out a training flight in the area, was requested to assist.

SEMRA members treated the walker’s injury by applying a vacuum splint before a winchman was lowered to the scene.

The casualty was then airlifted by Rescue 117 shortly after 6.30pm for onward transfer to hospital. The rescue operation concluded at 6.44pm, with all team members returning safely from the mountain.

Earlier in the day, 11 SEMRA volunteers travelled to Co Mayo to assist Mayo Mountain Rescue during the annual Reek Sunday pilgrimage, joining mountain rescue teams from across Ireland to provide cover for thousands of pilgrims climbing Croagh Patrick.