A WARNING sign should be erected at the Skellig Michael world heritage site, in Co Kerry, where an elderly American tourist fell to his death on May 3rd last, a coroner recommended yesterday.
Coroner Terence Casey, presiding at an inquest into the death of Joseph Gaughan, from Wilkbar, Pennsylvania, said it should be pointed out to anyone unsteady on their feet that they should consider whether, or not, to climb the rock.
Mr Gaughan (77), was with his wife and two family members when he lost his footing and fell 30 feet, sustaining serious head injuries. He had almost completed the descent of the 213m (700ft) rock off the Kerry coast.
Mr Casey suggested the Office of Public Works should consider putting up a sign saying the rock was extremely dangerous for anyone unsure of their footing.
He also said the descent of Skellig Michael is more dangerous than the ascent.
About 600 stone steps, which do not have safety rails, lead to the summit of the rock which contains monastic remains dating to the 7th century. The rock receives 11,000 visitors each year.
The inquest was told Mr Gaughan had climbed Skellig Michael with members of his family. A short time before the fall, his wife had offered him her hand, but he declined to take it.
In statements to the inquest in Caherciveen, Co Kerry, a number of witnesses gave evidence of seeing the man lying motionless on the ground. He had a deep head wound.
First aid was administered at the scene and a nurse attended the injured man, but attempts at resuscitation failed.
The man was put on board Valentia lifeboat and taken to Portmagee where he was pronounced dead by a doctor.
A verdict of accidental death was returned by a jury.