Longford fundraising night for upgrade of Killashee Clondra Defibrillator

The committee have organised a fundraising table quiz which will be followed by the raffle taking place in The Richmond Inn, Clondra on Friday.

The community defibrillator is a crucial piece of equipment. If the heart rhythm stops due to cardiac arrest, also known as sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), a defibrillator may help it start beating again. Community volunteers are trained in the use of the device.

At present there is one defibrillator available in the parish for use and this is situated at the St Brigid's Clubhouse in Killashee.

“The committee efforts are to address the fact that the defibrillator is due an upgrade or to be replaced. The lifespan of a defibrillator is 10 years so to ensure its reliability and safe use, therefore we need to replace it,” Joe Tyrrell, one of two voluntary Chairs of the group, told the Leader.

“Unfortunately, this replacement comes at a cost, and we need to raise significant funds in order to achieve this. Our Community Parish Defibrillator group was established in 2009 and is run by active volunteers in the community. This is a non-profit organisation,” Joe said.

Niamh McPartland, the other joint Chair of the Group said the fundraising efforts have been very successful so far: “The raffle tickets sold very well. We have only a few of the 1,000 tickets on offer left. If anyone wants to be in the draw they better get in contact with a committee member before Friday, or if you like to leave it to the last minute you can buy them the night if there are any left.”

The Table Quiz takes place this Friday night (September 15) in McPartlands. Tables of four are only €40. There will be refreshments on the night and many spot prizes as well as the draw for the €1,000 prize.