The GAA is set to install defibrillators at all its clubs in a move that is being warmly welcomed by the Irish heart foundation.
The sporting organisation is hoping to save the lives of its players or members of the public by making the life-saving equipment available to clubs for €1200 - €900 less than the retail price.
The GAA expects many clubs will take up the opportunity to purchase the device which works by shocking the muscles around the heart and, if used by a trained operator within five minutes of a patient's heart attack, can save a person's life.
Insurance company Vhi, in collaboration with the GAA, will provide training in the use of the equipment to members of about 125 clubs across the country.
The Irish Heart Foundation has welcomed the news and claims that 6,000 people die each year from heart failure.
Awareness of Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndrome within the GAA community and the potential of defibrillators to save lives came about following the death in 2004 of Cormac McAnnallen, the 24-year-old Tyrone and International Rules player who died in his sleep from an undetected heart condition.
Irish Heart Foundation statistics suggest that only one percent of people who suffer heart failure outside of the hospital survive without defibrillation.
It is expected that GAA defibrillators will be available for all meetings at GAA clubhouses, social gathering, classes, Irish dancing and language circles.