ICA raises vital funds for first responders
Ballyloughan ICA gather at St Mary's Hall, Bagenalstown to present the proceeds from their Christmas Raffle to Bagenalstown Community First Responders pictured (back l/r) Shane Gallagher, Ava Murphy, Esther Farrell, James Kelly, Regina Fitzgerald and Joyce Dowling from Bagenalstown Community First Responders, (seated l/r) Margaret Byrne, Mary Abbey President Ballyloughan ICA, Mary Mahon and Eugene Doran Photo: michaelorourkephotography.ie
BAGENALSTOWN Community First Responders (CFR) have publicly thanked the Ballyloughan guild of the Irish Countrywomen’s Association (ICA) for raising vital funds during their recent Christmas fundraiser.
A statement from Bagenalstown CFR said the donation “is deeply appreciated and will be used to enhance and maintain our equipment”.
The local CFR group, part of the national network affiliated with the National Ambulance Service, responds to cardiac and choking emergencies within a ten-kilometre radius of Bagenalstown.
“We are trained in CPR and carry defibrillators to call outs,” said a spokesperson for the group. “We bridge the time gap between calling 112/999 and the arrival of the ambulance.” Entirely volunteer-run, Bagenalstown CFR relies heavily on donations and an annual street collection to maintain both its own and the public defibrillators around town. Representatives from the group said the ICA’s support will significantly aid their ongoing efforts.
“We train every second Monday in Jimmy’s Pub and all are welcome to join us. As always, we are looking to recruit new members,” they added. With three certified cardiac instructors on hand, the group is ready to train volunteers “in-house to the appropriate level”.
