Hiker hospitalised after he is hit by falling sheep on Irish mountain

A rescue team of 17 people treats the teenager on a steep slope on Slieve Bearnagh

Mourne Mountain Rescue Team found the injured teenager on steep ground in Slieve Bearnagh. Photograph: Mourne Mountain Rescue Team
Mourne Mountain Rescue Team found the injured teenager on steep ground in Slieve Bearnagh. Photograph: Mourne Mountain Rescue Team

A hiker was injured after being hit by a falling sheep while walking on the Mourne Mountains in Co Down.

The teenage boy was walking with a group near Hares Gap when he was struck by a sheep jumping from an adjacent crag on Friday.

Mourne Mountain Rescue Team said they received a call for help about 4.30pm.

The rescue team of 17 people found the teenager on a steep slope on Slieve Bearnagh.

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"The casualty was assessed and treated for a range of potential injuries including head, neck, back, abdominal and leg injuries," the group said in a Facebook post.

The teen was evacuated by stretcher and taken to Ulster Hospital for treatment.

“We believe the sheep was uninjured and left the area unaided,” the team said.

Rachel Flaherty

Rachel Flaherty

Rachel Flaherty is Digital Features Editor and journalist with The Irish Times