By Paul O’Donovan
A GAA referee acted swiftly to help save the life of a young player who collapsed in a Westmeath U15 game in Kinnegad GAA grounds on Saturday afternoon last.
The incident happened during a Westmeath U15 Division 3 football final between Inny Shamrocks and Lilliput Gaels.
The game was approximately 10 minutes into the second-half when suddenly one of the players fell to the ground. It was clear the player had taken ill.
Referee Kieran Daly acted immediately and stopped the game to administer first aid to the young player, possibly saving his life in the process.
Mr Daly is also a full time paramedic and he knew exactly what to do to help the young boy.
The incident came as a great shock to everyone watching the game, including the player’s family members who were attending the match.
The ambulance service were called and arrived on the scene very quickly.
