McAnallen family appeal to GAA for SADS screening unit

THE family of Cormac McAnallen, the Tyrone football captain who died suddenly three years ago, has called on the GAA to provide a mobile unit to screen young players for sudden adult death syndrome (SADS).

Reacting to the tragic death of 10-year-old Patrick Breen, from Tyrone, who died training for his under-13 team on Tuesday night, Cormac’s brother Donal McAnallen said that more needs to be done to prevent so many sudden cardiac deaths.

“The GAA has made progress and are better in this regard than many other sporting organisations. But we would prefer, as a family, if screening for players was more comprehensive. We would like to see a mobile unit. Because, at the end of the day, screening does reduce death by a considerable number.”