GAA umpire saves fellow Irishman's life in London hotel as he urges people to take first aid course

A Donegal man is encouraging people to take a first aid course after using his to help save the life of a fellow Irishman while on a weekend break in London.

Liam Skelly from Moville is more used to tramping the GAA fields of Donegal than the streets of the English capital.

But one fellow Irishman is thankful that Liam was on hand in a hotel restaurant after he suddenly collapsed at breakfast.

READ MORE - NCT officials warn motorists over hidden issue that could cause inspectors to refuse to test vehicle

READ MORE - The wild story behind Tayto crisps - and how one 'accident' changed everything

The man was over from Ireland to see a Premier League football game.

But he took a turn for the worse after feeling unwell on Monday morning.

Liam, who is well-known as a GAA umpire, said: "Myself and my wife Kaye had done all the museums and shops and we were ready to head home that morning after a busy few days.

"But as we were having breakfast this man just slumped over the table.

"We were all a little stunned. To be honest I waited a second as I thought there might be a doctor or nurse nearby.

"But there wasn't so I knew I had to try and do something."

Liam managed to get the man on to the floor, into the recovery position and find an airway.

Thankfully, he came around and started to breathe again without Liam having to do CPR.

Liam said he was just so thankful that he had forced himself to go and do a first aid course in 2010.

He also remembers how it was his involvement with his beloved GAA which convinced him that he needed to do the potentially life-saving programme.

He remembered: "I was sitting in the hall in the local GAA club in Moville waiting for the girls to finish training and I looked at the defibrillator thinking 'I don't know how to use that.'

"So I signed up for a first aid course and learned to use it and you get basic first aid skills as well."

Liam didn't have to use that training, thankfully, until last Monday but is encouraging everyone to get a first aid course done.

"People may never have to use it but at least if they get a course done they will know what to do. I'm glad I was able to help and I must sign up for a refresher course now," he added.

He has been in contact with his fellow Irishman whose life he helped to save and thankfully he is making a full recovery.

Sign up to the Irish Mirror's daily newsletter here and get breaking news and top stories direct to your inbox