US tourist rescued after Blarney Castle heart attack thanks people who saved his life

The US tourist who was airlifted from the top of Blarney Castle after going into cardiac arrest has issued an emotional thank you to the people who saved his life.

David Motte, 59, from North Carolina, said he has forged a special bond with the Irish people, and said he and his wife, Joy, will never be able to thank everyone enough.

“I probably shouldn’t be here right now, but the fact that I am is testimony to the great work those people did on Friday,” he said. “The fact that everyone was so prepared... I am ever so grateful. I owe my life to them.”