Lord Mayor Haughey said, “Unfortunately we have all become too well aware of cardiac risks in young people in sport since the untimely deaths of Tyrone Star Cormac McAnallen and Rugby Star John McCall from the Royal School in Armagh. Their deaths have put the spotlight on heart defects and heart problems in young people in sport.
“Madden GAA and in particular the Sheridan family from Madden have done tremendous work in raising awareness and vital funds. Madden GAA have shown real leadership by providing the opportunity for their playing members to be screened for heart issues, and through this the Sheridan family became aware of their specific risk.
“I commend BJ, Patricia and their beautiful family for being so brave to turn their bad news into something very positive. Their efforts have raised £5000 for the Cormac McAnallen Trust and £5000 for the Heart Unit in the Royal Victoria Hospital. They have also provided life-saving defibrillators for Madden GAA, Madden Primary School and St Patrick’s High School Keady. On top of all this, they have raised awareness of the importance of heart screening, in particular for young people in sport.
“As First Citizen I congratulate the Sheridan family for their bravery in telling their story and their huge effort in raising funds and awareness. There is no doubt that their actions could help to save lives.”