Local Longford first responders group in Lisryan celebrate cheque presentation

Lisryan Community First Responders Group on October 10 had a cheque presentation night, where much needed funds were raised by 31 people who climbed Djouce Mountain in September 2025. Presented on the night was a cheque that amounted to €6,600.

The committee of “Lisryan Tidy Village” was started as an idea proposed to establish a group of community first responders in the rural area. An expression of interest was put out to community members and as always, the local residents responded.
Community First Responders (CFR) are volunteers who are trained to a minimum level of basic life support in CPR and the use of an AED/defibrillator, who attend a potentially life threatening emergency such as a cardiac arrest, heart attack, stroke or choking.

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Their aim is to reach a potential life threatening emergency in the first vital minutes before the ambulance crew arrives. Their role is to help stabilise the patient and provide the appropriate care while awaiting the arrival of the more highly-skilled ambulance crew.

13 volunteer responders have signed up and gone through the rigorous process of Garda Vetting and training supported by the National Ambulance Service Community Engagement Officer and Yvonne Leslie, the leader of the North Longford Community Responders Scheme.

The group has access and responsibility to maintain 5 public access defibrillators in the catchment area. These AEDs will be registered with the National Ambulance service.

These five public access defibrillators are in the following areas: Lisryan Crossroads, Killasonna NS, Lismacaffrey NS, Streete Gun Club and Streete Parish Park.

The group will respond to emergencies arising within a defined radius of 8k spanning from Lisryan crossroads. The group will go live with the National Ambulance Service in 4 to 6 weeks.

The group has had great support from the surrounding community. Sponsorship was received from local companies. Alongside this, 31 climbers scaled Djouce Mountain in September 2025 and raised significant funds for this worthy cause.

A cheque presentation night was held in Murphy’s Crossroads Inn Lisryan Friday, October 10, with refreshments and live music afterwards as a token of thanks to all that supported.

The group presented tokens of thanks to those who made it possible: a bouquet of flowers to Angela Mulligan, chairperson Lisryan Tidy Village committee and organiser of the climb, bottles of whiskey to Micheal Gettings and Eugene Fitzpatrick for the sponsorship of the t-shirts for the climbers and a bouquet of flowers to Yvonne Leslie, the leader of the North Longford Community Responders Scheme.

There is still time to donate or support. Ongoing contributions are always welcome as the group continues to maintain equipment and refresh on their skills and training.

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Please scan the relevant QR code or make donations in our buckets in Lisryan Crossroads Inn, Quinns Supply Stores Granard, Mackens Filling Station Granard, Super Valu Granard and Kearney’s filling station Granard.

This impressive figure will help with the responders moving forward for better access to medical help.