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14th Sep 2015

Athlone GAA player’s life is saved by opponent in Cusack Park

Patrick Boland is being hailed as a hero today

Tony Cuddihy

A Westmeath footballer’s life was saved by one of his opponents during a match between Athlone and Rosemount in Cusack Park on Sunday.

Hogan Stand reports that Athlone substitute Cathal Joyce collapsed before the game and was rushed to hospital, having been resuscitated by both the quick thinking of the players present and, subsequently, a defibrillator.

Westmeath footballer Ray Connellan was lining out for Athlone and he got in touch with us to tell us how Rosemount’s Patrick Boland, who had been warming up, rushed to Cathal’s aid when he saw him in trouble.

“One of our players dropped suffering from a heart attack and he stopped his warm up and ran over and preformed CPR to keep him alive, until a defibrillator was provided by the paramedics who were called,” Ray tells us.

“Absolutely incredible stuff and deserves more recognition than we can give. Patrick then went on and started the game wing-back 15 minutes later.”

Also on hand was Emergency First Responder Dónal Mac Cába, who we believe worked with Patrick to keep Cathal alive.

Leech

We wish Cathal all the best in his recovery.

Topics:

GAA