When well-known GAA man Liam O’Neill took to the pitch to referee a minor match, no one could have predicted what would happen next. In the middle of the game, Liam suddenly collapsed — a moment that shocked everyone present and highlighted the unpredictable nature of medical emergencies in sport. Thanks to the fast actions from Naomh Mairtin CPG, Liam survived.
Discovering SafeShel
During his recovery, Liam came across SafeShel online. Immediately recognising its value, he chose to sponsor one for the GAA club that saved his life, Naomh Mairtin CPG. His decision was rooted in the simple yet powerful idea that every club should have a way to provide privacy, dignity, and protection when someone is injured or ill on the field.
SafeShel is a rapidly deployable, weatherproof enclosure designed to create a private, controlled space for medical emergencies. With six access points, it gives responders the room they need to work — while shielding the casualty from public view and harsh conditions like wind, rain, or cold.
Presentation at Naomh Mairtin CPG
Last week, Peter, Director of SafeShel, was invited to attend a presentation in Naomh Mairtin CPG, Monasterboice, in support of Liam and the club. There, Peter demonstrated SafeShel in action and gave a presentation on its growing role in Irish sports communities.
He explained how clubs across the country and the UK are investing in SafeShel — not just to meet duty-of-care obligations, but to provide a basic standard of dignity for anyone who may need help during training, matches, or community events.
More Than a Product — A Commitment to Care
SafeShel is fast becoming an essential piece of equipment for clubs who want to take emergency preparedness seriously. While it was designed with players in mind, Liam’s experience as a referee underscores a broader truth: anyone on the pitch is at risk, and everyone deserves the same level of protection and respect.
When an accident occurs, every second counts — but so does how we care for those in need. If someone collapses on your pitch, what are you doing to protect their privacy, their dignity, and their safety while help arrives? For many clubs, SafeShel is becoming the answer.
Find out how your club can invest in SafeShel to ensure safety, privacy, and dignity for players, referees, coaches, and volunteers during medical emergencies here.