Athlone Street Traders inspired to install defibrillator

Athlone Street Traders have recently installed a defibrillator at Burgess on the corner of No. 1 Church Street and Custom Place.

The traders' group was inspired to do following the death of the father of artist Katie Byrne, who will be exhibiting at Burgess next month, when he was unable to access a defrillator.

Members of Athlone Street Traders received a short introduction training on May 22 and will receive more extensive training from Cllr John Dolan at a later date.

Every minute that passes without treatment of a cardiac arrest reduces the chances of survival by 7-10%. By delivering a shock to the heart, a defibrillator can restore a normal rhythm and increase the chances of survival. Modern defibrillators are designed to be easy to use, even for someone without medical training.

Athlone Street Traders this week thanked John Dolan and Patrick Walsh, Connaught Street, for their support.

Explaining the decision to install the defibrillator, Rosie Boles from Burgess Department Store said: "It became important to get this installed when a family friend, artist Katie Byrne’s father had a heart attack last summer. There was no defibrillator close by and he was left in a vegetative state on a life support machine after his event, until his family had to make the heart-breaking decision to cut off his life line. By installing this now we hope to prevent similar situations in the future."

Tipperary-based artist Katie Byrne will be exhibiting new work at her exhibition ‘Heart Space’ in the Athlone Art Gallery on June 6 at 6pm in The Village @ Burgess. Her work is beautiful and delicate, she works with flowers that she cultivates herself. ‘Heart Space’ is in response to her father’s heart.