Westmeath official comes to the aid of injured Tyrone player

They say lightning doesn't strike twice but in the case of Kieran Daly, one could say it has in recent months - and to very positive effect on both occasions.

On Sunday last, Daly was on linesman duty for the Lidl Ladies National Football League Division 2 game between Westmeath and Tyrone at TEG Cusack Park.

Aoife Horisk of Tyrone experienced tingling and pain in her neck and upper back after colliding with a Westmeath opponent during the second half and it looked like a potentially serious injury.

A qualified paramedic, Kieran took on the role of clinical lead and the Kilbeggan Shamrocks man assisted Order of Malta personnel with proper spinal immobility for the player in case of serious injury.

The game was stopped for a lengthy period to allow for an ambulance to enter the field and transfer Aoife to the Midland Regional Hospital in Tullamore where she underwent tests.

After the game, Tyrone officials and team management were quick to thank Kieran for his exemplary work.

"Best wishes to Aoife Horisk who suffered an injury in the game. Thanks to Kieran Daly, a local paramedic (who was on the line today) for his assistance," Tyrone LGFA posted online.

An active member of the Kilbeggan Shamrocks club, Kieran is a native of Ballinahown and his brothers, Tommy and Mick, were well known players with Castledaly. Indeed, Tommy was the captain of the Castledaly team which won the Westmeath intermediate championship in 1994.

Kieran has been involved with the Kilbeggan club for many years, and has also been part of the backroom team with the Westmeath senior football squad as a kitman.

It's not the first time that Kieran has shown the benefit of his expertise as a paramedic when on officiating duty.

Last October, Daly was hailed as a hero after administering first aid on a young player who collapsed during a Westmeath U15 football final between Inny Shamrocks and Lilliput Gaels in which he was the referee.

Kieran administered first aid on an Inny Shamrocks player, possibly saving his life in the process. At the time, Ballynacargy GAA (the adult club of the player involved) acknowledged the "fast action" of Kieran, saying he was "very quick to notice something was wrong".

*See here for match report and photos on the Westmeath v Tyrone match.