Declan’s spirit is still strong in Keel

THERE was a poignant atmosphere to be felt in Keel late last Saturday evening as friends and family of the late Declan Clifford gathered together to celebrate his memory at the unveiling of a brand new defibrillator in the Boolteens village.

The defibrillator was kindly donated by The Saoirse Foundation for the benefit of the Keel community and in memory of Declan who passed in January of 2016.

The defibrillator was presented by Tony & Mary Heffernan of The Saoirse Foundation, a charity which focuses on helping children suffering from rare genetic diseases, such as Batten Disease, to the Clifford Family and Declan’s father, Sean, expressed his sincere words of appreciation and thanks to all that attended on the day.

The elegant steel frame surrounding the defibrillator and steel plaque beneath, adorned beautifully with the words: ‘Erected in Memory of Declan Clifford’, the defibrillator were generously donated by Dermot O’Callaghan of Aqua Design.

The power supply for the defibrillator is supplied by Willie & Eileen Murphy of the local Murphy’s Bar to help to keep the defibrillator in charge and ready for use if needed.

The community gathering on Saturday showed the sincere appreciation of the people in the village for such a device and what will now also serve as a fitting tribute and future landmark in memory of Declan Clifford.