Cousins describe living with giant gene

TWO Irish cousins with a giant gene which triggers uncontrolled body growth have opened up about living with the condition which caused their towering height.

Brendan Holland, who is six foot eight, from Tyrone and his six foot four inch cousin Niamh Feeney from Sligo are both termed pituitary giants by the medical profession.

In a new TG4 documentary, the pair discover they are the living relatives of a 18th century Tyrone man, Charles Byrne, who stood almost eight feet tall.

DNA taken from the 250- year-old skeleton of Byrne has led to the recent discovery of a gigantism gene by scientists.

It is believed the mutant gene, which first emerged 1,500 years ago, gave rise to a race of Irish giants in the north of the country.

Tyrone businessman Brendan Holland, 58, said he was relieved to discover genetics was responsible for the condition which he shared with his ancestor.

He said: “When I first heard the phrase pituitary gigantism I remember being uncomfortable with the description of it but it is, of course, an accurate description.

“It had a certain effect on me. Am I a giant? There is no doubt the normal human reaction of people is they stand sort of open-mouthed. It’s almost as if the journey has come full circle. I could quite happily die now because it has always intrigued me as to why me?”

The documentary, Charles Byrne — An Fathach Éireannach, reveals how the mutant gene makes carriers more likely to develop a condition which triggers too much growth hormone during childhood.

In the programme, Sligo woman Niamh Feeney said she has found it difficult to cope with her height.

She said: “Even now people would give me a second look in town. I just hate it. I absolutely hate it. I know they don’t mean to do it. Even small children when I’m queuing for something come up to me and look up.”

Professor Marta Korbonits, who a specialist in the condition, said pituitary gigantism arises due to a benign tumour of the pituitary gland which gives rise to too much growth hormone.

“If the patient becomes a giant it is because this tumour started in childhood while the bones are still able to grow in length.

“This is quite a serious disease. It has symptoms which could affect the quality and length of life. Patients with untreated gigantism usually die early.”

Doctors weren’t sure at first if the DNA from Charles Byrne was usable after 250 years but it proved to be intact and a firm link was found to Mr Holland.

“The chance that Brendan and Charles Byrne have the same common ancestor is very high and it’s practically impossible they are not related to each other,” said Professor Korbonits.

* Charles Byrne — An Fathach Éireannach will be broadcast on TG4 tonight at 9.30pm, and repeated on Saturday at 8.10pm