Life-saving defibrillator presented to club by father of tragic footballer

John McGuiness, whose son Oisin tragically passed away in 2009, kindly presented the club and Rural Community Hub with the defibrillator.

Oisin, 16, from Newry, collapsed suddenly during a junior football match back in March 2009 playing with Windmill Stars FC. Spectators at the Derryleckagh Playing Fields, rushed on to the pitch to try and resuscitate Oisin before paramedics arrived.

He had suffered from Cardiomyopathy a - sudden cardiac arrest in young and fit athletes.

Oisin’s parents John, a paramedic, and Joan McGuiness, as well as his sister Caoidhe have campaigned tirelessly and raised tens of thousands of pounds to distribute Defibs to local Sports and Community Groups and also to campaign for screening for all young athletes.

Oisin’s grandfather Pat Davey was a star player in the Irish league in the 1960s playing for Coleraine FC under the late Bertie Peacock.

A club spokesperson said, “At Moneyslane FC we already have several members trained in the use of defibs and we appreciate the importance that first aid and defibrillator training can make. In relation to defib training for example, an individuals chance of survival from cardiac arrest due to V-Fib is decreased by approximately 10 per cent with each minute that passes.

“It is therefore crucial that defibrillation is provided within the first few minutes after collapse.

“This defibrillator will be a potentially lifesaving piece of equipment for Moneyslane FC, Moneyslane Rural Community Hub and other teams and members who visit Jubilee Park.

“We will be confirming very shortly the dates and times for further Defib and First Aid Training at Jubilee Park and promoting the wellbeing of all who visit Jubilee Park.”