In Pictures: Life-saving defibrillator gives Limerick soccer club a boost in times of need

A COUNTY LIMERICK soccer side has been given a big boost knowing they can now save lives through a newly-unveiled state-of-the-art defibrillator on club grounds.

Kilmallock United football club were officially presented with the lifesaving equipment by officers within the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) last weekend.

“It's fantastic to have it but let's hope we never need to use it,” club committee member Niall Freyne stated.

Over 50 individuals, including club members, those within the community, local politicians and Jason O’Connor, who is the FAI Development Officer for Limerick, were in attendance on the evening.

An FAI grant covered €3,250 of the cost and the Kilmallock club raised €1,250 in just under 24 hours, using an online donations page.

Kevin O’Mahony, a local builder, kindly donated an outside cabinet to store the defibrillator at the club grounds.

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Niall explained that the emphasis is on accessibility. This is the third such defibrillator in the community. One has existed in the main street for 15 years and another is located in the GAA pitch.

“These ones have to be checked and serviced through a rotation system. This new one has a sim card, so that it can feed back information if it needs new pads or if the battery charge is low it will send out an email,” Niall told the Limerick Leader.

The new high-tech defibrillator, located on the Kilmallock United clubhouse wall, comes with a 10-user one day training package through the company Hearts.ie, which will allow for a coach in every age group to get trained up in its use.

Niall emphasised the real team spirit within the club, consisting of a rich community of volunteers always on hand to cut grass, upgrade facilities, paint the club house or buy new nets or balls for the children.

“They are the lifeblood of the club. It’s not just one or two people doing everything, everyone is getting involved,” he said.

Anyone in Kilmallock looking to avail of the defibrillator can jump the wall to use it Niall stated, adding that 999 must be dialled to unlock access, which will be followed by automated instructions.