Asthma Society warning after schoolboy’s death

Eddie Cassidy

On average, 100 people die yearly in Ireland from acute asthma attacks.

The 12-year-old boy died in the back of a car on Bank Holiday Monday as his family, taking a short break at Spanish Point in Co Clare, desperately sought medical assistance.

Pupils from St Mary’s National School in Limerick and sporting friends from the Star Rovers club formed a guard of honour as Stuart was laid to rest yesterday. A photograph of him taken with his hero, Munster and Irish rugby star Peter Stringer who visited the local school a few weeks ago, took pride of place on the coffin.

Asthma Society spokesperson Frances Guiney yesterday said: “Everyone’s heart goes out to the family on their tragedy.

“Unfortunately, we have all learned an awful lesson from Stuart’s death.

“Families going on holidays, even for short breaks, should make a note of where the nearest hospital is or where a GP can be contacted in the event of someone having an asthma attack. It’s important also that asthma sufferers always carry their ventolin inhaler.”

Asthma nurse specialist Ms Guiney said that in the event of an acute attack, the sufferer should be put in a sitting position with clothing loosened and given two puffs of the blue-coloured reliever every five minutes.

“If sufferers observe a deterioration in their condition, such as a need to use their inhaler more frequently or waking up at night with asthma symptoms, they should not ignore the warning signs and get a check up,” she said.

At yesterday’s funeral Mass, the Offertory gifts brought to the altar included a recently completed school DVD, of local folklore, that featured Stuart on its cover. An accomplished storyteller, he had also recently won a gold medal at Limerick feis.

Cllr Gerry McLoughlin, the ex-rugby international and a teacher at St Mary’s, yesterday said Stuart was a sports-mad youngster.

“He had a great talent and he played rugby, soccer and hurling. He played at midfield in the under 12 soccer team and he had a tremendous pace.

“He was very conscious of his health condition and always took precautions before going out on the playing fields.

His death devastated the community and that was reflected in the thousands that attended the funeral.”

Asthma Society helpline: 1850 445464.