The importance of clubs having access to a defibrillator was brought into sharp focus last night when former Derry full back Kevin McCloy collapsed during a club game.

The Lavey captain's heart stopped for several minutes, but medics were able to use an on-site defibrillator to help revive him. The 2007 All Star was removed to Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry where his condition is said to be stable.

Defibrillators were introduced to many GAA grounds following the sudden death of Cormac McAnallen 10 years ago. The former Tyrone captain died at home from sudden cardiac arrest and his family - through the Cormac Trust - has since helped to install defibrillators in every club in Tyrone as well as in neighbouring counties such as Derry.

In 2011, the Oak Leaf County was struck by tragedy when Slaughtneil refereee Martin Mulholland died while taking charge of a club game. And earlier this year, 17-year-old Eunan Murray's life was saved when a doctor performed CPR on him after his heart had stopped during a club game between city sides Faughanvale and Steelstown. Tweet

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