Cllr Stephen McKee alongside representatives from St Colmcille’s GAA Club, Cilles Athletic Club, Laytown Utd and Meath Coast CFR at the launch of the new community defibrillator at Seafield, Laytown.

Defibrillator installed at Laytown pitches

A NUMBER of Laytown sports clubs made it their mission to get a lifesaving defibrillator installed at their local grounds following Danish player Christian Eriksen’s cardiac arrest at Euro 2020.

Securing a permanent AED (automated external defibrillator) in the playing fields at Seafield in Laytown had been an ongoing goal for the sports clubs using the facilities however, it was the footballer’s incident that brought into sharp focus clubs’ readiness to deal with such an incident.

In its aftermath conversations started amongst coaches initially, and then between the sports clubs (Laytown United SFC, St Colmcilles GAA & Cilles Athletics’ Club) and what quickly became evident was that this was common ground and a shared goal.

Speaking on the good news that the invaluable piece of equipment will now be available to the local community around the clock, Michael Gibbons from Cilles Athletics’ Club said:

“While it’s true that most clubs have portable AED’s our experience was that they were not always available for a variety of reasons and very dependent on that person being ever present which is not realistic.

“Whether its people walking the back beach or people playing/watching a football match or up for a run the presence of this life saving equipment is a testament to people pulling together and a sign potentially of greater collaboration going forward.”

“The playing fields in Seafield are abuzz with activity most evening with combined membership of the clubs running into the several thousands. The recent opening of the spine road (soon to be named Tara Rd) brings with it hope that much needed sports and community facilities will follow and what this exercise has shown is that the clubs, all volunteers, who share a passion for sport and community are ready and willing to meet that challenge.

“A note of thanks to Councillor Stephen McKee for coming on board and liaising with the council as well as providing funding and to the anonymous donor without whose contribution, this initiative would not have been possible.

“Finally, a special note of thanks to Edel Flynn (St Colmcilles GAA) for co-ordinating the initiative.”