RTÉ’s Nationwide celebrates local hero Ger McDonnell in special programme
Next Monday night (October 4th) at 7 pm, RTÉ One television will broadcast a special half hour Nationwide programme about the life, achievements and legacy of Kilcornan man, Ger McDonnell – the only Irish person to successfully summit K2 – the holy grail of mountaineers worldwide. Ger raised the Irish flag aloft on top of K2 on August 1st 2008, but tragically, he lost his life in the descent the very next day, heroically attempting to save the lives of three other climbers.
This special Nationwide programme includes never-before-seen footage shot by Ger himself on that final expedition. Local journalist Marian Malone talks to Ger’s family and friends, fellow climbers, including the Dutch leader of the 2008 Norit expedition team and Paul Whiting of Mountain Rescue Ireland, who nominated Ger for the posthumously awarded Targa d’Argento Pinzolo Gold Medal – one of a raft of humanitarian awards he has received for bravery. The Targa d’Argento honours those who risk their lives for others in the mountains.
On August 2nd after being on the summit and bivouacking overnight above 8,000 meters (the so-called death zone), Ger found the descent rope anchor to be dislodged or broken. This caused two Koreans and a Sherpa climber to be suspended upside down on ropes below. Ger spent over three hours with an Italian, Marco Confortola, trying to assist. Eventually, Marco was forced to descend as he could do no more; he described the climbers to be like ‘puppets on a string’.
Marco witnessed Ger climbing back up to release the tension on the ropes. Unbelievably, after over another three hours, Ger managed to free the trapped climbers. They were met by two Sherpas who came up to assist their descent. An ice tower or serac gave way above and tragically swept Ger to his death. A second subsequent avalanche hit and claimed the lives of the other five climbers.
Mountain Rescue Ireland nominated Ger because on numerous occasions his concern and actions for fellow climbers embodied the spirit of mountain rescue and outstanding humanitarianism. Last Saturday night, Ger’s mother was presented on his behalf with the Meteor Mid-West Media Merit Award at the Press Ball in Limerick.
Prior to making the ultimate sacrifice for his fellow man, Ger’s last dispatch on his website ended prophetically: “Let luck and good fortune prevail, fingers crossed.
Sin é anois a cháirde, tá an t-am ag teacht." Ger was 37 years old.
Produced by Pallaskenry-based local television company, Matt Kelly Productions, the Nationwide special airs next Monday night at 7pm on RTÉ One television.
