Dromore firefighter honoured after saving footballer’s life

A DROMORE man has been honoured for his efforts in saving the life of a young footballer who collapsed during a game last September.

Firefighter Seamus Bradley received a special Merit Award at the Fermanagh and Western annual Hall of Fame and Merit Awards dinner last Friday.

“I felt very privileged to receive the award – it was very nice to be given it by the Fermanagh and Western League,” Mr Bradley told the UlsterHerald.

He explained, “Tummery were playing in the Irish Junior Cup at Valley Leisure Centre in Belfast and I was doing the line at the Tummery game as usual.”

A young Cloughmills FC player collapsed on the pitch adjacent to the Tummery game and Mr Bradley was alerted to the situation by club member, Conor Sludden.

“I made my way over and cleared space for the young lad, Robbie McGaughey, and got him ready for CPR as he was unresponsive – opening his airways and getting a defibrillator,” the firefighter continued.

Mr Bradley proceeded to provide vital medical assistance – training learned from his job in the fire service – until the ambulance arrived.

“I work for the fire service and they have invested in me, giving me the training and skills I need. If I can help anyone at all, it makes it all worthwhile.

“I’m just glad I was in the right place at the right time, and thankfully Robbie has made a full recovery,” he shared.

Seamus concluded by praising his club mates at Tummery Athletic FC.

“On the night of the awards I was sat at a table with all my Tummery club mates– who are like my second family,” he said.

“Tummery is full of such good people that have been more than good to me and are always there for me – especially when my late mother passed.”