Killarney Community College was a hive of activity last week as 180 students from Killarney’s secondary schools came together to learn and test out life-saving CPR skills.

illed as an educational and fun training day, students got to enjoy a host of fun activities with the focus on developing their CPR skills in a community event for students from  Killarney Community College, St. Brendan’s College and St Brigid’s Presentation Secondary School. 

These skills were put to the test under the scrutiny of the Killarney First Responders and there was a competitive element to the day to encourage  learning while winning some wonderful prizes. 

In attendance on the day was the Minister for Education Norma Foley along with Michael Linehan of Heartsafe Killarney Group, the National Ambulance Service, the Order of Malta, the Irish Heart Foundation and the Killarney Cardiac Response Unit – all of whom shared their skills with students and showcased the importance of their life-saving work. 

Entertainment was provided by Spin South West, Cassie Leen School of Dance and DJ Kev Rae on the decks, while Kieran Healy was MC for the event . 

Minister Foley mingled and chatted to students while observing their life saving skills. Killarney Community College Principal and host school of the event Stella Loughnane was full of praise for the day and for the students who took part.

“It was great to see such enthusiasm to learn and share such important life saving skills that might some day save a life. CPR is an essential life skill that students don’t necessarily get the chance to learn in the classroom so we are therefore grateful for this learning opportunity,” she said. 

She thanked all who attended and supported the event and she expressed thanks to Killarney Community First Responders who set up the hall and ran the even so smoothly.