Full steam ahead for new Community First Responders group
A local community first responder group has received a generous donation from the Moynalty Steam Threshing Festival which will help equip its volunteers with potentially life-saving equipment.
Borora Community First Responders received the donation through a percentage of the proceeds from the festival’s legendary Willie’s Tractor Run.
The funding has allowed the group to purchase an automated external defibrillator (AED) and kit bag for one of its responders, equipment which could prove vital when responding to a medical emergency.
Established in July 2026 under the National Ambulance Service, Borora Community First Responders provide rapid assistance to people experiencing medical emergencies including cardiac arrest, heart attack, stroke and choking.
As the responders live and work within the communities they cover, they can often reach patients within minutes of being alerted by the National Ambulance Service, providing vital assistance while an ambulance is on the way.
Since the group was established, its volunteers have responded to 11 emergency call-outs.
The group is entirely voluntary and receives no direct funding from the National Ambulance Service, making fundraising and support from the local community particularly important.
Borora currently has eight volunteer responders, with a goal of equipping each responder with their own AED and kit bag over the next 12 months.
Funds raised will also go towards purchasing essential training equipment, allowing the volunteers to continue training together each month and keep their skills up to date.
Since the group was established, some of its training equipment has been kindly loaned by friends in Lakeside Community First Responders and Virginia Community First Responders.
The group said their support has been invaluable in helping Borora get up and running while it continues to build its own resources.
Borora Community First Responders currently cover Moynalty, Cormeen, Tierworker, Newcastle, Mullagh and surrounding areas towards Bailieborough.