Eight eircom League clubs have been offered the chance to train their staff on how to perform  Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and the use of Automatic External Defibrillators (AED through an initiative announced by the FAI today.

"We must do everything we can to ensure the well-being of everybody inside the stadium; players, officials and supporters," said Fran Gavin, Director of the eircom League. "Having a defibrillator available, and having staff trained on how to properly use the defibrillator, can be the difference between life and death for somebody who suffers a sudden collapse.

"Over recent years we have seen tragedies at home and abroad involving young athletes where defibrillators could potentially have saved lives and so we want to ensure that our clubs are ready to respond if such an emergency does occur," added Gavin, who confirmed the FAI bought four AEDs from Hibernia Healthcare then entered eircom League clubs into a draw.

The four successful clubs - Shamrock Rovers, Sligo Rovers, Finn Harps and Monaghan United - have all been given AEDs which have been paid for by the FAI. A total of 11 eircom League clubs  now own their own AED.

Staff from four other clubs who already have AEDs will also attend the training. They are; Bray Wanderers, St. Patrick's Athletic, Drogheda United and Derry City.

A total of 48 personnel, ranging from medical, physiotherapy, coaching and administrative staff,  are expected to take the Irish Heart Foundation certified course with the FAI picking up the costs.

"I am confident that the training being undertaken by the league personnel will lead to a much greater chance of survival for anybody who suffers sudden collapse on the football pitch, training ground or stadium," said Dr. Alan Byrne, FAI Medical Director.