QUICK-THINKING spectators averted a tragedy at the home of London GAA over the weekend.
Shortly before half-time in the game, Kilburn Gaels player Brian Regan fell to the ground and needed emergency treatment on the pitch.
Supporters from Kilburn Gaels and Robert Emmets were quick to respond, with several camogie players who are also qualified nurses taking to the pitch to aid the fallen player.
A doctor was also present and acted swiftly alongside club physios who all managed to keep the London hurling captain safe until the emergency services arrived,
According to Kilburn Gaels' Sean O'Riordan: "A group of girls from the camogie team are qualified nurses and they were straight on the scene to help until the ambulance got there.
"Some of the lads went to see him yesterday. He's doing well and he's already up chatting and recovering. His parents came over yesterday morning from Gort, Co. Galway.
Best of luck to Brian Regan and we all hope you have a good recovery
— Kilburn Gaels (@KilburnGaels) September 30, 2018
"Unfortunately we had another player from Gort who sadly died of a heart attack during training a couple of years ago.
"There was nobody there who was qualified to help him at the time. Brian was lucky in a sense that he was surrounded by people who had the skills to save his life.
"On behalf of the club, I want to thank the nurses who worked on Brian straight away and everyone else who responded. I saw about 10 people ring for the ambulance. Everyone was very responsive and deserves to be thanked."
The camogie players who came to Brian's aid were Bronwyn Keeshan, Lisa Creamer, Katie Connolly, Caoimhe Staunton, Danielle Harrington, Caoimhe Hogan.
Mick O'Dea, who was in the stands supporting Robert Emmets, said: "It took about twenty or thirty seconds before it dawned on us how serious the situation was. The response was absolutely top class.
"The girls who were there worked tremendously hard to keep him alive until the ambulance came. That girl who gave him CPR saved his life.
"I know Brian tentatively and he's such a gentleman. If you mention his name to anyone in London they will say he is an absolute gentleman.
"He's a brilliant guy with great dignity. You don't become captain of London without the traits of being a good hurler and great guy. He is well liked by everyone involved in the GAA in London.
"It was a sobering experience and there was a lot of lessons learned on Saturday. All of us here at Robert Emmets wish Brian a full recovery."
Sending best wishes to @KilburnGaels Brian Regan for a speedy recovery from all in the @R_EmmettsLondon club.
— Robert Emmetts GAA (@R_EmmettsLondon) September 29, 2018
Roddy Walsh from Kilburn Gaels coaching team described what it was like on the sideline: "He went down all of a sudden. If it hadn't have been in Ruislip and there wasn't a certain amount of nurses at the game we could have had a different outcome.
"Everyone was very quick to react. People were very responsive. Something like six ambulances were ordered.
"Massive credit must go to Kilburn Gaels captain Stephen Lampard. He just recently completed a first aid course and was standing beside Vrian when he fell and worked on him. Without Stephen and those girls we'd be having a different conversation."
