A LOCAL GAA club this week vowed to review the medical history of all its playing members.
The move by Sigersons GAA Club came in response to the sudden deaths of two young Tyrone people during training sessions last week.
Patrick Devlin (13), collapsed at a GAA pitch in Ardboe last Saturday. The tragedy happened as mourners gathered in Drumquin for the funeral of 10 year old Patrick Breen, who died in similar circumstances last Tuesday evening.
The deaths have stunned the Tyrone footballing community, and prompted calls for proper screening for heart defects to be rolled out at clubs across Northern Ireland.
In an immediate response to the deaths, Sigersons this week began handing out cardiac screening questionnaires. Questions on heart conditions, blood pressure and family history were included in the document.
Other measures currently being considered by the club include the possible attendance of St John's Ambulance staff at all future matches.
Sigersons Project Co-ordinator Aodhan Harkin explained: "We will be discussing what has happened over the past week in great depth and we are asking our members to fill in the cardiac questionnaire. What we don't want is parents to panic and stop allowing their children to come to the club.
"It is terrible what has happened in Drumquin and Ardboe, but there are children dying all over the country from coronary illness, in playgrounds, youth clubs and even in their beds.
"What we need to look at is prevention, as opposed to mass panic.
"At Sigersons, what we intend to do initially is look at bringing St John's Ambulance staff to games just so medical help is on hand in case something does go wrong.
"Long term, we would like to screen every young person we have on our books, but there is a big cost factor.
"Saying that, what price can you put on a life?," Mr Harkin asked.
Calling on all the relevant bodies to play their part in addressing the issue of cardiac death amongst young people, he added: "I think there is a big onus on government, schools and sports bodies to ensure the health and well being of our young.
"It is something we need to look at together, especially now in the light of the events of the past week and I can honestly say that the GAA will not be found wanting in their response," added Mr Harkin.
