Killarney Cardiac Response Nominated for Kudos Award

Pictured (L-R) Mabel Counihan, Catherine Moriarty, Fiona Mangan, Eileen Brosnan and Bridget Delaney

Category: Group Awards Award Nomination: Community Group of The Year

Killarney Cardiac Response is one of several groups already nominated for a Kudos Award.

The organisation was founded back in 2015 by Damien Baker following a life-changing event in the town, when a young person, survived a cardiac arrest. This incident sparked an urgent need for a dedicated response unit and from that moment, the mission was clear: to create a volunteer led Cardiac Response team within the community that could provide immediate assistance during cardiac-related emergencies and improve outcomes for those experiencing cardiac arrest, strokes, and other life-threatening incidents.

What began as a group of about twenty volunteers from Killarney has since grown to more than fifty dedicated individuals from the town and surrounding areas such as Beaufort, Rathmore, and Kenmare. All members are volunteers who commit their time, energy, and compassion to saving lives.

Around three years ago, the vital community service introduced the Hands for Life program in partnership with the Irish Heart Foundation. This initiative focuses on educating the public, particularly Transition Year students, on CPR, AED use, and awareness of stroke, cardiac arrest, choking, and heart attacks. The goal is for individuals to be able to differentiate between these conditions and respond appropriately when they occur. So far this year, they have worked with six schools and continue to provide community-wide training sessions aimed at empowering people with life-saving knowledge.

As one team member expressed, "Being a cardiac responder is not about recognition or something you just try out, it's a deep commitment to helping others." Whether it’s day or night, whether you’re out shopping or enjoying your time, responders drop everything to assist someone in need. "Those moments when a life is saved are unforgettable, they fuel our dedication," said another volunteer. Every member, whether full-time or part-time, shares in this commitment, and every member is treated fairly.

However, recruiting volunteers who are truly committed remains a challenge for the group. “We are always looking to grow our team with passionate individuals. Those interested in joining must be over 18, Garda vetted, and willing to undergo thorough training. Training is crucial. We have seen first-hand how it can mean the difference between life and death. In one memorable case, a responder revived someone who had been declared dead, “It was experience that will forever remain with the team,” a volunteer shared. Another team member once witnessed a cardiac arrest but wasn’t yet fully trained to intervene. "If I had known what to do, I could have been of assistance,” she reflected.

The message from the team is clear, Cardiac incidents can happen to anyone, anywhere. The more trained responders Killarney has, the more lives they can save.

Killarney Cardiac Response is entirely volunteer-run, and rely heavily on public support and funding to continue their work. Every donation and act of support makes a difference. They are proud of the strong relationships built with primary response agencies and local community groups, who have been instrumental in helping them grow and attribute their social media platforms as having played a key role in raising awareness and connecting with the community. We believe that being active and visible in our community helps strengthen trust and expand our reach.

Reflecting on their well-deserved Kudos nomination this week the group said,

“Being nominated for this award means the world to us. It’s a recognition of the passion, dedication, and tireless effort our volunteers have put in over the last decade," said a team spokesperson. "If we are fortunate enough to win, it will be a testament to the lives touched, the lives saved, and the power of community coming together to make a difference."

ABOUT KUDOS COMMUNITY AWARDS

Launched by the Killarney Advertiser, in partnership with several local businesses and the Chamber of Tourism & Commerce, Kudos aims to shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes of Killarney with a heartfelt Community Awards ceremony, set to take place this November. The awards will honour individuals, groups, and organisations that go above and beyond in their contributions to local causes, from youth engagement and environmental efforts to acts of kindness and volunterism. With 15 award categories that reach into every part of the community, Kudos is calling on local schools, charities, businesses, sports clubs, and residents to participate by submitting nominations. Locals are encouraged to check out the award categories at www.kudoskillarney.ie/community-awards and to nominate someone they believe deserves recognition via the online form. Whether it’s a neighbour, teacher, student volunteer, or youth leader doing great things, we want to hear about it and give them the Kudos they deserve.