Two new defibrillators for Athlone and Doon

Two potentially life-saving defibrillators were installed in recent weeks in the centre of Athlone and at Doon crossroads, near Ballinahown.

The newest public access defibrillator for the town was put in place outside the Printing.com premises in St Mary's Square.
Geraldine Parker of the Tony Parker Foundation said it was felt that there was a need for a defibrillator in an easily-accessible location in this part of Athlone.
The funding for the equipment was collected locally, and Geraldine expressed her gratitude to Keith Nolan of Printing.com for maintaining it and to David McGovern, of DMG Electrical Ltd, for installing it free of charge.
She also wished to thank everyone who supported the Tony Parker Foundation's two main fundraisers, a cycle and a table quiz, this year.
The local fundraising group was established ten years ago, and to date it has been able to supply more than 100 defibrillators to schools, local facilities and community organisations.
The defibrillator at Doon crossroads in Offaly was provided by Doon GAA and the Egan family in memory of local woman Riona Egan, who sadly died in September.
Located inside an old-style telephone box, the defibrillator was officially unveiled at an event on Saturday, December 1.
Defibrillators are used to treat sudden cardiac arrest, and several members of Doon GAA have been trained up in CPR and how to use a defibrillator.