Wicklow’s GAA family rally behind popular Don Jackman

POPULAR Coolkenno and former Wicklow footballer Don Jackman remains in hospital this week after suffering from Sudden Cardiac Arrest at the Coolkenno GAA grounds last Friday evening.

A superb footballer over the years for club and county, Jackman is both a thorn in the sides of the vast majority of clubs in the county but also a hugely respected opponent who can pluck ball from the heavens and slot wonderful scores at his ease.

It was the quick thinking and rapid response of his Coolkenno team mates that saved Don’s life last Friday night as the club’s Intermediate team trained ahead of a league game on Sunday morning.

Steven Cushe, Jim Cushe, Colin Murphy, Shaun Smyth and Cathal Rossiter are the five Coolkenno men praised for keeping Don alive until the emergency services arrived on the scene just 25 minutes after the call was made.

‘Don was standing in the corner during training when he suddenly collapsed,’ said Coolkenno Club President New Rossiter.

‘Fortunately, we have club members who are trained in the use of defbrillators and they immediately sprung into action, It was an unreal situation and it gave everyone a real shock. We were all very scared for him. We have to thank the quick-thinking of his team mates and the promptness of the emergency services. The incident just highlights how vitally important it is to have a defibrillator on site and to make sure it is always properly serviced,’ said Ned.

Talented Don has a long road ahead of him and he will be undergoing MRI scans on the heart and brain over the coming days as doctors try to fully understand what happened to him.

The outpouring of support for Don on social media has been something to behold with many wishing for his swift return to the playing fields but all being more than happy just to to be able to see that cheeky grin again.