Men’s Shed buys defibrillator in memory of former member

A MEN’S shed has purchased a defibrillator in memory of one of their former members, with the group also undergoing first-aid training to understand how to use the device.

Firhouse Men’s Shed held a special presentation to launch the defibrillator, which was purchased thanks to a contribution from the family of former member John Semple.

Last Saturday (September 23) members of the 146th Firhouse Scouts cooked a fry-up and members of John’s family were present as they launched the defibrillator.

“John Semple was a lovely gentleman, he had a kidney transplant and some other trouble, the Men’s Shed was a great help to him in the last few years,” Noel McAvoy, founder of Firhouse Men’s Shed, tells The Echo.

“He died last May, and it was his year anniversary, so his family asked us if we could do something in his memory.

“We came up with the idea of the defibrillator then and now we have it in the scouts den.”

John Semple received a kidney transplant in 2009 after being diagnosed with chronic kidney disease two years previous.

After just eight years, the Firhouse man who was chairperson of the Irish Kidney Association’s Dublin South Branch had to go back onto dialysis once again after the transplanted kidney broke down.

John spoke to The Echo in 2021 about his life with chronic kidney disease, explaining how he would be “totally lost” without his wife Margaret.

John Semple

John and Margaret met in Leinster Cricket Club, in Rathmines, in 1979 and they bought their house in Firhouse in 1983 for €29,500.

John was diagnosed with prostate cancer, meaning he was not eligible to be on the transplant list when it failed in 2017.

Undergoing dialysis at home, the Firhouse man would attend Firhouse Men’s Shed regularly as an outlet before his death in May 2022.

Following his death, such was the joy he had during his time in the men’s shed, John’s family approached them once again to do something in his honour.

His wife Margaret was present along with a dozen others as they presented the new defibrillator.

“You have a lot of men who are maybe separated or widowed, they’ve worked their whole lives and are retired now, they’re looking for something to do and they have nothing,” Noel continues.

“The men’s shed gives them a new lease of life and something to do.”

Firhouse Men’s Shed which was established in 2017 and boasts a membership of around 72 men today, is always open to new members.

They engage in a plethora of activities Monday to Friday such as walks, pitch and putt, fitness classes, hill walking, art, and indoor bowling among other activities.

Last Friday, members of the men’s shed underwent first aid training with members of the 146th Scouts Troop also expected to.

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