Deaths prompt call for screening

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A leading member of the GAA has suggested that health screening for young people should be investigated.

The move follows the death of a second boy during GAA training sessions in County Tyrone this week.

Patrick Devlin, 13, collapsed on Saturday at the same time as the funeral was taking place for Patrick Breen, aged 10, who died on Tuesday.

Ulster GAA secretary Danny Murphy said screening for children "of school-going age should be looked at".

Patrick Devlin, from Ardboe, collapsed during a Gaelic football training game.

It was the fourth death in Ireland in similar circumstances this week, two in Tyrone and two in County Westmeath.

A defibrillator was used at the scene to try to revive Patrick but he was later declared dead at Craigavon Hospital.

Patrick Breen, from Dregish near Drumquin, died on Tuesday, also during a GAA training session.

Danny Murphy said there was "a feeling of disbelief that a second young person had died".

"It is truly tragic for the families, the club people and the young people who were present on both occasions," he said.

"It is really hard to comprehend that young people in their early formative years can die so suddenly."