Kerry team to the rescue

“It was the worst night of Geoff ‘s life but the best night of the boys’ life “

IT was a case of being in the right place at the right time for Geoff Mahony and his son on Saturday night when he suffered a heart-attack outside Austin Stack Stadium in Tralee, just minutes before the Kerry v Galway Game.

While Geoff ’s life was saved by the quick-thinking medical personnel, his son, Dara, his nephew Michéal and their friend, Mark Foley got to have a night to remember forever as the Kerry team and their management looked after the three Templenoe boys while Geoff was rushed to hospital.

Sgt James Hurley and Garda Simon Draghici looked after the boys while Geoff was rushed to University Hospital Limerick after suffering his heart-attack. Within hours he had a stent inserted and is now recovering from his ordeal – though it seems Kerry versus Galway games should be avoided by the Mahony family.

That’s because Geoff ’s father suffered the same fate at the Kerry versus Galway game back in 2002.

“I am a farmer. Thank God it didn’t happen outside in the field, I was in the right place,” said Geoff.

More importantly, the three boys ‘were looked after royally’ by everyone and spared the terrifying ordeal. The boys got to watch the game in the VIP room and were later escorted by Kerry Manager Peter Keane to the dressing room to meet the players, including fellow Templenoe player Tadhg Morley, their teacher. They were also treated to a host of gifts from the players including signed jerseys, shorts and socks and even David Clifford’s very own gloves.

“It was the worst night of my husband’s life but the best night of the boys’ life,” said Sarah.

“Everyone was just fantastic. The boys were on Cloud nine and all is well that ends well,” said Geoff.

Templenoe boys Mark Foley, Dara Mahony and Micheál Mahony with the Kerry players who came to their rescue on Saturday at the Kerry versus Galway game after their dad and uncle became ill and was rushed to the hospital.