Reveller impaled on railings at Béal na mBláth

A MAN was impaled on railings after falling from a monument in Co Cork which marks the place where War of Independence hero Michael Collins was shot dead in 1922.

The man, who is believed to be in his early 30s and from Limerick, had been socialising in the Crookstown area when he decided to climb the monument at around 8pm last Saturday.

According to garda sources he fell 12 feet from the top of the monument and impaled his leg on sharp railings below.

His friends lifted him off the railings and took him to the nearby village of Newcestown where he was met by an ambulance which brought him to Cork University Hospital. He underwent emergency surgery and is said to be recovering.

The impact of his fall damaged part of the railings on the outside of the monument, which is owned by the Department of Defence.

Dermot Collins, chairman of the Béal na mBláth Commemoration Committee, said he was “flabbergasted and stunned” to hear that anybody would climb the monument.

“People come there to pray and leave flowers, rosary beads etc. The place has always been treated with great respect and reverence,” Mr Collins said.

However, he added that he hoped the injured man would make a full recovery.

Cllr Kevin Murphy, deputy leader of Fine Gael’s Cork county councillors, said he was appalled that somebody would climb the monument.

“People should respect these types of monuments, especially as it is to a man who died giving his life to this nation,” Mr Murphy said.