New committee in place to regularly check defibrillators in Longford club

Fr Manning Gaels GAA club representatives met Shane Lawlor's family recently to discuss the regrettable circumstances of his untimely death and to "ensure such a tragic situation will never happen again".

The highly-regarded 44 year-old from Esker Glen, Drumlish, Longford died suddenly on Saturday, February 15 after he suffered a cardiac arrest while out for a run with his wife Orla.

A committed family man and married father of two teenagers Niamh and Cian, Shane’s passing evoked immense shock and sadness throughout county Longford and beyond.

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Shane, who was educated at St Mel’s College, was a dedicated volunteer who supported Drumlish Ballinamuck Community Games and a Gaels United soccer coach who also previously trained youngsters at Fr Manning Gaels GAA club.

His sisters Nikki and Clodagh Lawlor have urged local communities to check defibrillators after it emerged the battery of the nearest stationary device to Shane when he suffered his cardiac arrest was dead, rendering the device useless.

In a Facebook post Fr Manning Gaels said they were deeply saddened to learn of Shane's tragic death.

"Shane helped coach with St Vincent's and was always on hand to help fundraise for the Gaels.

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"He was a community man through and through and our deepest sympathy is extended to his wife Orla, daughter Niamh, son Cian, parents Pat and Mary, sisters Louise, Nikki and Clodagh, brothers Cathal and Conor, extended family and many friends.

"The club met with the Lawlor family during the week to discuss the most regrettable circumstances of Shane’s untimely passing and how we as a club can work to ensure that such a tragic situation will never happen again," the GAA club added.

Fr Manning Gaels urged their fellow GAA clubs and all community groups who have AEDs (automated external defibrillators) to "ensure this life saving equipment is regularly maintained in order to help prevent any similar tragedy" from impacting other areas.

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"We welcomed the arrival of a new AED for within the grounds of Monaduff Park [on Thursday, March 6] and are forming a dedicated committee with the sole objective of maintaining the defibrillator every fortnight with a report to be submitted and discussed at every monthly executive meeting going forward.

"Thank you to those who have already volunteered to be part of this working group and if anyone else would like to be part of it, please contact any member of the executive," the social media post added.

Fr Manning Gaels said they also look forward in time to erecting an appropriate memorial to Shane at Monaduff.