The sudden death of a teenager in Newry at the weekend, has prompted fresh calls for heart screening from a Portstewart father.

John Lundy's son, Aaron, died of  a heart condition after a football game,  just like the tragic 16-year-old Oisin McGuinness at the weekend. 

Oisin's grandfather, Pat Davey, was a former Coleraine player and his great grandfather was the great Hugh Davey who has just been depicted on a mural celebrating the success of NI striker David Healy in Killyleagh. 

Pat Davey played under the late Bertie Peacock in the 1960's and was a well known face around the Showgrounds. 

His former team mate, Victor Hunter, spoke to the Time on Monday.  "We got a call from Paddy's wife to tell us the sad news on Sunday morning.  Paddy and I always stayed friends through the years.  He just doted o young Oisin, he was always telling me how well he was doing.  It's a real tragedy." 

Portstewart man, John Lundy, in the Northern Ireland Representative of Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY).  He said: "It is coming up to ten years since I lost my own son Aaron, and every time this happens it brings it all back to me. 

"The indications are that Oison died from a heart related condition.  If that is the case there are parallels with many other sudden deaths, some high profile like Gaelic player Cormac McAnallen and rugby star John McCall, others less high profile, but no less tragic." 

John's son, Aaron was a keen footballer and a hugely talented golfer.  He had just earned a place at the Nick Faldo School of Golf, but died tragically after a football game at his home club, Portstewart, at the age of 19. 

"Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the McGuinness family at this time of the tragic death of their son Oisin.  The sudden loss of a son or daughter in these circumstances is something that is very difficult for a family to come to terms with," said John.

CRY promotes cardiac screening for all young people aged between 14 and 35 years of age at its clinics.  Cardiac screening is not offered by the health trusts in Northern Ireland. 

John explained: "Figures released by the Department of Finance and Personnel show that over 60 young people aged between 14 and 35 died of cardiac related conditions between 2005 and 2007.

"How many of these lives may have been saved by screening?  That's something we don't know.  CRY has consistently campaigned for a screening programme in Northern Ireland. 

"In November the local politicians offered CRY and bereaved families tremendous support at a meeting at Stormont which was greatly appreciated. 

"However, our deepest concern is that we will see further sudden deaths. 

"We would appeal to the politicians to look at this issue and introduce a screening programme that is easily and widely available to our young people.  We firmly believe it can help save lives."