Reported on October 2024 by

First Solar-Powered AED Cabinet Installed on Royal Canal in collaboration with Kilcock Community First Responders and Waterways Ireland

In September, Kilcock Community First Responders (CFR) unveiled a solar-powered cabinet and AED on the Royal Canal Greenway between Kilcock and Ferran‘s Lock in memory of their dear friend and colleague Michael ‘Mick’ Duggan, who passed away late last year.

This is the first time such a device has been installed on a waterway in Ireland. It would not have been possible without the collaborative work of Waterways Ireland, Kilcock CFR, and others.

A lone piper opened and closed the ceremony for the new AED that serves as a memorial to the late firefighter paramedic Michael ‘Mick’ Duggan

In what was a moving occasion, Kilcock CFR coordinator Bernie Downes welcomed members of Mick’s former Dublin Fire Brigade watch, a colleague from NAS Community Engagement, fellow CFRs from the local area, Colm Reilly of Waterways Ireland, the HSE, local Gardaí, sponsors and most importantly Mick’s family. She spoke about Mick’s importance to everyone and how appropriate the AED was as a memorial to him. It combined his love of running and his dedication to helping others. She also paid special tribute to our committee member David Walsh, who worked closely with Waterways Ireland and other partners to ensure that the project was completed.

Mick’s friend and DFB colleague Jim Sergeant spoke powerfully about Mick’s professionalism as a firefighter paramedic, his passion for staying active, whether through triathlons, golf, or cycling, and his friendship.

A lone piper opened and closed the ceremony while Kilcock CFR Treasurer Mary Comey read a poem dedicated to Mick.

The solar-powered cabinet and AED are important links in the chain of survival in the event of a cardiac arrest, and we are delighted that they will be a lasting tribute to our wonderful former mentor, colleague, and friend.

Great credit is due to sponsors Dublin Fire Brigade, Heart Safety Solutions, Emergency Care, HSE Kildare and the National Lottery for making all of this possible and to Waterways Ireland for their cooperation and support on this first for Ireland.