Ballymun Kickhams score with Big Screen triumph

PLAYERS from Ballymun Kickham GAA club have put their hearts to the test to show their support for a campaign aimed at highlighting the importance of cardiac screening.

The local GAA club – who had three senior players lined out during Dublin’s fantastic All Ireland Final win – was selected to undergo vital and potentially life-saving heart screenings as part of the Laya Healthcare

‘Big Screen’ initiative.

Players aged from 12 upwards attended the recent screening session which was held at the club’s training ground. The cardiac screening each of them received can help detect underlying conditions that could cause Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS), heart attacks and other cardiac-related conditions.

Greg Flanagan, vice chairman of Ballymun Kickhams, said the club was delighted to take part in the initiative.

“It’s a great honour and privilege for Ballymun Kickhams to be selected for the Big Screen,

? he added.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for our players to avail of this excellent service, and ensure that they are fighting fit to retain their championship titles next year.

?

Managing Director of Laya Healthcare, Donal Clancy, outlined the importance of cardiac screening.

“Approximately 100 young people under 35 years die in Ireland from SADS each year,

? he said.

“That’s 100 people too many in our view. It can strike without warning and affect super-fit athletes as well as ordinary young people. We are investing close to e1 million to help increase public awareness of SADS and make a difference by providing free screenings to our 475,000 members.

?

Sports and social clubs across Ireland can nominate themselves for screenings until the campaign ends in November. Screening is available for all types of sports and social clubs, no matter how big or small, or what level of skill or fitness is involved.

Cardiac screening involves an ECG carried out by a doctor, along with a thorough clinical examination. The results of the test are then reviewed and reported by a consultant cardiologist.

Clubs interested in the free heart screenings are asked to nominate themselves at Facebook.com/LayaHealthcare.