Republic of Ireland Under-15 players and staff have undergone CPR training with the life-saving skill to be implemented as part of the age-group’s international programme.

The next generation of Ireland internationals, and their coaches, took part in the medical training during their three-day camp in Dublin last week with Under-15s Head Coach Jason Donohue now making it a part of future U15s player development.

All 29 players, as well as the backroom staff, were provided with CPR training and defibrillator demonstrations from U15 medical personnel Dr Ruairi Connolly, Oisin McCabe and Seamus McWalter.

The players, who will be looking to break into their first international squad for scheduled friendlies in September, were also given heart scans as part of their medical checks.

Ireland Under-15s Head Coach Jason Donohue said: “We’re not only about developing players to be better footballers, we’re helping to develop better people too.

“Each of the players will go back to their clubs with a better understanding of what to do should someone require CPR and it is vital life skill to have.

“We’ve only to look at what happened at the recent European Championships to see how quick actions can help save someone’s life and for the players and staff to have that knowledge it can only be a positive.

“The players took a lot from it and were happy it will form part of their future development and it’s why CPR training will be part of the U15s players' development for the years ahead.”