Irish cricketer Orla Prendergast backs heart‑health awareness campaign

Dublin‑based Irish international cricketer Orla Prendergast has pledged her support to a national drive aimed at raising public awareness of heart health.

Prendergast, who represents Ireland in women’s cricket, said the campaign is personal for her after the loss of her father, Peter, to heart disease last year. She recalled missing his daily encouragement of her sporting career.

In tribute to her father, the player altered her shirt number last season, a gesture she hopes will draw attention to the importance of early detection and lifestyle choices in preventing heart conditions.

The heart‑health initiative, which involves schools, community groups and sporting organisations, seeks to educate the public on risk factors and promote regular check‑ups. Prendergast’s involvement is intended to inspire younger athletes and fans to consider their own cardiovascular wellbeing.

She added that using her platform as a high‑profile athlete can help reach a wider audience and encourage conversations about heart disease, which remains a leading cause of death in Ireland.

Source: Dublin Gazette. Photo: Engineer John / Pexels.