GAA player suffers cardiac arrest on pitch but opponent springs into action

A GAA club has hailed an opposing player and emergency services for helping to save one of their own players who suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch last weekend.

Croi Ro Naofa GAA club, based in the Killinarden area of Dublin, has released a statement outlining the details of the frightening incident which happened during a championship game last Sunday.

One of the opposing players from the St Joseph's OCB club was first to react and administered CPR until emergency services arrived. He has been hailed a hero on social media.

In the statement the club explained: "Last Sunday during our men’s team’s Championship game vs St. Joseph's OCB Dublin, one of our players suffered a cardiac arrest. CPR was started immediately, a defibrillator was used, emergency services were called and the player was brought straight to hospital.

"The club would like to sincerely thank the St. Josephs OCB players and management for the help and support, the Dublin Fire brigade for the very quick response and professionalism, and the Dublin County Board for all their support.

"We would like to say a special mention in particular to one of the St. Joseph’s players, Paul Moore, who started CPR on the player until the ambulance arrived, we are thoroughly thankful to Paul.

"The player is expected to make a full recovery but will remain in hospital for a couple of weeks. Thank you all for your support at this time," they concluded.

A number of followers were quick to reply with well wishes and praise for the emergency services and player Paul Moore who administered CPR.

One recognised "the importance of CPR training," while a second person said, "What a terrible thing to happen to the player. I'm so happy to hear the good news that the player is recovering well. Well done to this lad Paul, the DFB and club for the fast action."

‼️ CLUB STATEMENT‼️
Last Sunday during our Men’s team’s Championship game vs St. Joseph's OCB Dublin one of our players suffered a cardiac arrest.
CPR was started immediately, a defibrillator was used, emergency services were called & the player was brought straight to hospital.

— Croi Ro Naofa Gaa (@CroiGaa) September 27, 2023

Monivea Abbey GAA Club tweeted its support by saying: "Teamwork on and off the field...it always wins out. Very best of luck and health to the player in question."