Community Calls for Action After Loss of Much-Loved Ardee Resident
By ArdeePost Reporter
Community Calls for Action After Loss of Much-Loved Ardee Resident
Following the sad passing of Pauline Sweeney (74) of Tierney Street on Friday morning, the Ardee community has been united in grief while also raising urgent concerns about a wider public safety issue in the town.
Tributes poured in for Mrs Sweeney, described by locals as “an absolute lady with the biggest smile and bigger hugs.” Known for her warmth, kindness and community spirit, she loved her Saturday nights at Hunterstown Bingo and was a cherished member of her Tuesday Bridge club. Her sudden loss has left neighbours and friends heartbroken.
But in the days since her passing, many Ardee residents have expressed shock and confusion over a troubling discovery: Ardee is not listed as having a single public AED (Automated External Defibrillator) in the North Louth AED Locations Guide 2024.
For a town of Ardee’s size, population and traffic volume, residents say it is “incomprehensible” that no publicly listed defibrillator locations appear in the guide. The nearest registered AED is recorded in St. Kevin’s Community Centre, Phillipstown, several kilometres outside the town.
This finding has sparked frustration and worry throughout the community — with many asking how such life-saving devices could be absent, unregistered, or lacking signage.
Call for Councillors and TDs to Clarify AED Locations
Residents are now calling on local councillors and TDs to urgently:
- Confirm whether any AEDs are installed in Ardee,
- Clarify if devices exist but are simply unregistered,
- Ensure proper public signage and visibility, and
- Update national and regional AED location databases.
Locals stress that in an emergency cardiac event, seconds save lives — and the absence or invisibility of AEDs could make the difference between life and death.
Extensive AED Coverage Elsewhere in Louth
The AED directory lists dozens of devices across North Louth, including:
- Dundalk Garda Station
- Maxol Townparks
- Fairways Hotel
- Marshes Shopping Centre
- Multiple GAA clubs, pharmacies, community centres and schools
- Darver Community Centre
- Castlebellingham Garda Station
- Dromiskin and Dunleer Centra stores
- St. Kevin’s Community Centre, Phillipstown …and many more.
However, Ardee does not appear once on the published list.
A Moment for Reflection — and Action
While the community mourns the loss of Pauline Sweeney — a woman remembered for her kindness, laughter and community spirit — many feel her passing has highlighted the urgent need to ensure Ardee’s residents have equal access to life-saving equipment.
Locals now hope that elected representatives will act quickly to confirm AED locations, install additional units if needed, and ensure clear, visible signage throughout the town.
As one resident put it:
“We just want to know that if someone collapses on the street, we’re not left helpless. Every minute matters.”
