Meet David and Joy, two American tourists whose recent visit to Ireland took an unexpected turn at the historic Blarney Castle. In a heart-stopping moment, David’s life hung in the balance as his heart suddenly stopped halfway up the castle’s winding stairs.
Watch their live interview here:
American tourists Joy and David tell Ray about David’s brush with death up Blarney Castle. #RayDarcyShow
The Fateful Friday
David recalls the harrowing experience of April, when he found himself climbing Blarney Castle and suddenly collapsing. “My heart stopped just like that,” he shares, emphasizing the suddenness of the ordeal. It was a terrifying moment that lasted for what felt like an eternity.
Angels Among Us
Fortunately, David wasn’t alone. The incredible staff at Blarney Castle, along with trained paramedics, sprang into action. Siobhan Hogan, a hero in her own right, rushed with a defibrillator to David’s aid. The timely intervention and skilled CPR saved his life against all odds.
Race Against Time
Given the challenging terrain of the castle, emergency responders faced an uphill battle – quite literally. With no time to spare, David was airlifted to Cork University Hospital, where medical teams continued their lifesaving efforts.
Gratitude and Reflection
Now, reunited with Joy and sharing their story on the Ray Darcy Show, David expresses profound gratitude for the people who saved his life. “I shouldn’t be here,” he admits, acknowledging the miraculous turn of events. For Joy, the experience was a mix of fear and disbelief until David finally regained consciousness the next day.
A New Perspective
David’s miraculous survival serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the power of human kindness. As he reflects on the journey, David is filled with gratitude for the second chance he’s been given. And as they return to Ireland, the couple’s mission is clear – to express heartfelt thanks to those who became their guardian angels in a moment of crisis.
In the end, David’s story is one of hope, resilience, and the profound impact of strangers coming together in a time of need. As they continue their journey, Joy and David carry with them a newfound appreciation for every precious moment of life.
About The Gift of Blarney
As David Motte states in The Gift of Blarney, “God wants to be involved in our lives. We have the freedom to choose His involvement or ignore His presence every day.” That was never truer than on April 20, 2018, at the 600-year-old Blarney Castle in County Cork Ireland. That day, David received a gift more precious than wishes from kissing the Blarney Stone. In fact, he never reached the stone!
While climbing the castle steps, he suffered a cardiac arrest, collapsed, and had no heartbeat for 15 minutes. Yet David is alive through the heroic efforts of a collection of special strangers from around the globe. Those incredible circumstances pale in comparison to the reality that God was in control every second, pouring out His love and comfort.
Get a copy of this book at:
Kharis Website: https://kharispublishing.com/kp/product/the-gift-of-blarney/
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/163746228X/
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/1144184052
Books A Million: https://www.booksamillion.com/p/9781637462287
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/203017830
Author David Motte
David Motte lives in Indian Trail, NC with Joy, his wife of 39 years. They have three grown sons, Christopher, Evan, and Corey. David studied at Furman University in Greenville, SC and the graduate school of Wheaton College in Wheaton, IL. For the past 25 years, David has worked in the financial sector of corporate America. Besides traveling with Joy, he enjoys spending time with his two grandsons building Legos™ and putting together puzzles.
