by Sean Hillen
SAVING lives is serious business in Falcarragh.
Through diverse events including a street collection, community Park Run, a ‘no uniform’ school day and carol singing, people of Falcarragh and beyond have raised more than €6,000 to support First Responders, a local volunteer emergency medical assistance group.
Founders of Falcarragh First Responders, Shaun Boylan, Maureen Gallagher and Hugo McFadden, said the money raised will help replace batteries in public access defibrillators, restock responders’ kit bags and buy two new automated external defibrillators (AEDs), one of which will replace an AED at the local church which no longer works.
“We are immensely grateful to everyone involved – organisers, volunteers, performers, donors, and everyone who showed up to support these events — thank you,” said Boylan. “Your time, effort, and generosity are deeply appreciated and will help ensure we can continue our vital work within the community. The generosity shown across all events was truly outstanding, and every contribution—big or small—has made a real difference to our local lifesaving service. We’d also like to say a big thank-you to the Donegal News, which offered its support in highlighting our ongoing work, a truly positive sign that it takes very seriously its mission of serving the local community where the newspaper circulates. Since articles were published a few weeks ago, many more people now understand what exactly we do and are willing to help. As a result, we look forward to more volunteers joining us in the foreseeable future.”
Boylan added, “Both the people locally and the newspaper, each in their own way, with the diverse talents and energies they possess, have supported us in different ways. In effect, helping us save peoples’ lives, by supporting what we proudly consider a vital service. Our appreciation knows no bounds.”
Aine Gallagher, secretary of the Buíon Cheoil Sinsear Chloich Cheann Fhaola, a Senior band in Falcarragh that organised a fund-raising cabaret-style event, said, “We are delighted to be involved in helping such a crucial service, one that the local community here cannot do without.”
Falcarragh First Responders is a group of selfless local people who receive hands-on training and rush to medical emergencies to provide often life-saving assistance before ambulances and paramedics arrive. It is one of over 350 such groups nationwide, with the Falcarragh one having 15 active members, four men and 11 women, who respond to 100-120 call-outs a year in a radius of about seven kilometres around Falcarragh, including Magheraroarty, Derryconor to Corcreggan Mill, near Dunfanaghy.
The volunteer group welcomes new members. If interested in saving lives and meeting new friends, contact falcarraghdefib@gmail.com or simply call 0861013304.
More than €6,000 has been raised through community events to support First Responders, a local volunteer emergency medical assistance group.
BREAKDOWN OF FUNDRAISING
Carol Singing in the Batch restaurant: €167.55, Park Run: €604.10, Resource Centre Event: €395.50, St Columbkilles Primary School (Glasgow) No Uniform Day: £128, Candlelight Christmas Carol Service organised by Buíon Cheoil Sinsear Chloich Cheann Fhaola: €2,306, and Street Collection: €2,648.97, bringing the grand total to around €6,249.
