The value of first aid and CPR training and the availability of a defibrillator was shown in Rathcline on Saturday when the life of a young Leitrim footballer was saved when he collapsed on the field of play during a Hastings Cup game.
There is no doubt that the efforts by the Roscommon and Leitrim physios and others who arrived on the scene immediately, and the availability of a defibrillator were crucial in the treatment of the young Leitrim player who hopefully will make a full recovery. Well done to everyone involved and to the emergency services and the air ambulance who arrived so quickly on the scene. CPR training and the availability of defibrillators are so important especially in rural areas and thankfully today’s serious incident had a happy ending and we wish Alan McTague and his family well and hope he makes a full recovery. It once again underlines how important it is for all sporting organisations to have suitably qualified people at all games and sporting occasions.