Athenry - athenry.net

Athenry, Co.Galway, Ireland

Athenry Local News Archive

Credit union gives Athenry heart-start machine

Athenry Credit Union recently presented the first community owned defibrillator [ heart start machine] to Jody Kilkelly, the station officer of Athenry Fire Station.

The initiative is part of the credit union's commitment to local people. Its president, Gerry Doherty, acnowledged the excellent work being done by the local fire service and thanked its members for volunteering to house the machine. Two firefighters, Leo Coffey and Robbie Kennedy, are trained to use the defibrillator.

Paul Duffy, the assistant chief fire officer for Galway, thanked the local fire service for their years of service and dedication not just to the people of Athenry but to Galway county.

Canon Tony King thanked the credit union for its generous gift and acknowledged the support and encouragement it had given to local voluntary organisations.

Sudden cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death in Ireland. Immediate treatment with a defibrillator saves many lives. Widespread availability of such equipment is standard in most advanced countries. Health centres have this equipment but experts say strategically placed units are critical if lives are to be saved.

The incidence of heart disease in the west is 40 per cent higher than the national average. Experts attribute this to the high number of smokers living here and the fact that many people still favour fatty foods. About 750 people die in County Galway each year from heart attack, stroke, and other diseases of the circulatory system.

Athenry Credit Union Website