A world famous heart expert with strong west of Ireland links paid tribute to the Croi heart and stroke centre in Galway earlier this week.
Dr John Gordon Harold, who is the current president of the American College of Cardiology, visited the facility on Monday to see at firsthand the work being undertaken by the local charity.
He commended the centre, which is located at Moyola Lane, Newcastle for its innovative work in the prevention of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and obesity.
Dr Harold, whose parents are originally from Longford and Roscommon, and whose wife Ellen completed her nursing training at University Hospital Galway, will later this month be awarded an honorary fellowship of the Royal College of Physicians in Ireland.
This is the highest honour the college can bestow and is reserved for world leaders in medical science and for those who have made an exceptional contribution to society.
He was is in Ireland to give the prestigious William Stokes Lecture at the annual scientific meeting of the Irish Cardiac Society which takes place in Killarney this weekend.
