A red bench now stands in Kilbroney Park, Rostrevor, Co Down, to honour Caoimhe Loughran from Newry. The installation recognises her experience living with a heart condition. The British Heart Foundation placed the bench there.

Loughran first noticed symptoms at age 17. She reported exhaustion and a fast heart rate. Previously active in Gaelic football at county level, she later faced collapses. Doctors diagnosed an electrical conduction disorder that slowed her heart rate.

Medical staff fitted her with an implantable loop recorder. The device identified pauses in her heart rhythm. At age 20, in December 2022, she received a pacemaker after episodes during sleep.

Loughran stated her symptoms were initially attributed to anxiety, her menstrual cycle or birth control. She described challenges in getting appropriate medical attention. After the pacemaker, she reported better energy levels and no need for medication.

She graduated university in 2024 and completed a masters in public health focused on heart health. Loughran credited family, friends and her boyfriend for support.

Fearghal McKinney, head of the British Heart Foundation in Northern Ireland, noted Loughran's account reflects realities of cardiovascular disease. The charity installed 65 red benches across the UK.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council chairperson Councillor Philip Campbell said the bench aims to raise awareness of heart health and prompt people to seek help.