SINN Féin Councillor Colly Kelly has urged sports clubs in Derry to apply for free automated external defibrillator (AED) devices as Sport NI re-opens the Defibrillators for Sport initiative.Sports clubs and organisations are welcome to apply. Even if the club / organisation already possess a defibrillator, they may be eligible to receive a new AED device through this initiative.
Councillor Colly Kelly said: “I would encourage all sporting clubs in the Derry area to apply for these defibrillators.
“I have seen how this scheme helped the local Sean Dolans GAC.
“In emergency situations time is of the essence and the quicker paramedics can get access to a defibrillator the more lives can be saved.
“I am a keen sports fan and the sudden death of Tyrone footballer Cormac McAnallen in 2004 brought home to everyone the need to be prepared in the event of an emergency.
“In 2011 I got unanimous backing for a motion in the then Derry City Council calling for the introduction of defibrillators at council facilities and for staff to be trained in their use.
“I feel it’s very important to widen that out across all the similar facilities across the city,” he added.
