Summit to science: Irish hiker donates body for medical research

DUBLIN, Ireland — A 78-year-old man who died in hospital last November from head injuries sustained when he fell on Croagh Patrick was praised by a coroner on Monday for his "selflessness" in donating his corpse to medical research.

Patrick O’Connor, Coroner for the District of Mayo, reiterated pathologists’ prior appreciation for the late Pat O’Mahony, former Chairman of the Irish Medicines Board (1996-2010).

Dr. Tamas Nemeth, the pathologist who performed the postmortem, stated in his autopsy report, which was read into the inquest court by his colleague, Dr. Fadel Bennani, that Mr. O’Mahony’s donation of his body for medical research was "deeply commendable."

Dr. Nemeth wrote, "This selfless deed greatly aided the advancement of medical research. His contribution will help educate medical personnel and researchers, potentially saving and enhancing many lives in the future.

"His generosity in making such a decision demonstrates a deep dedication to the well-being of others, and his legacy will live on through the knowledge obtained from his contribution."

Mr O’Mahony was hiking Croagh Patrick on November 17 when he fell from the top.

People on the mountain raced to rescue him, summoning an air ambulance and assisting him into a harness for a ride to the chopper.

Mr O’Mahony was transported to Mayo University Hospital. The next day, he died in the hospital’s intensive care unit from a traumatic brain hemorrhage, a base of skull fracture, and a head injury.