Good news continues from Whitebridge Manor in Killarney, where residents have donated over €4,600, collected for a community defibrillator, to three local charities.

This decision was made after sponsors covered the full cost of the defibrillator.
The community had launched a GoFundMe campaign following a sudden cardiac arrest suffered by resident Seán Óg O’Sullivan in April. The campaign, set up by Seán Óg’s brother Gary O’Sullivan with assistance from neighbours Daragh Byrne and Joe Hurley, successfully raised funds for a defibrillator.

However, the full cost of the device, now installed near house no. 36 opposite the path to the Cork Road, was generously covered by The Heights Hotel. Additional support came from SuperValu Killarney, The Killarney Cue Club, The Laurels, Killarney Hardware, Jack C’s Bar, Kerry Cleaning, Whitebridge Manor residents, and extended friends and family.

With the defibrillator's cost secured by these sponsors, the collected €4,600 has been divided equally among three organizations:
Killarney Cardiac First Response Unit: This local volunteer group provides immediate response to cardiac emergencies before ambulance arrival. They were vital in saving Seán Óg’s life, reaching his home within minutes.

Brú Columbanus: This charity offers free accommodation to families of seriously ill patients at Cork University Hospital (CUH). The O’Sullivan family stayed there during Seán Óg’s recovery.

The Michael Lenihan Heartsafe Campaign: This organisation promotes CPR training and access to defibrillators, and is now assisting Whitebridge Manor with the maintenance and protection of their new device.

CPR and First Aid training sessions for residents are currently being organised and will take place in The Killarney Heights Hotel later this summer. The community has learned the critical importance of early intervention in a cardiac emergency, noting that even basic CPR can make the difference between life and death in the vital moments before paramedics arrive.

A statement from the residents of Whitebridge Manor said:: “As a community, we are deeply grateful for the work of these three organisations. Each one plays a vital and distinct role in supporting people during some of life’s most critical and challenging moments. Their dedication makes a lasting impact not just on individual families, but on the wider community. Without their work, outcomes in emergencies like Seán Óg’s could be very different.”