We look forward to a normal family life from now on

A thankful Joe McGivern, whose daughter Meadhbh got a liver transplant in September having missed out in July, recalls a turbulent 2011 and looks forward to a stress-free family life into the future

Meadhbh McGivern next to the Coast Guard helicopter at Strandhill, before the cancelled trip in July.

IT has been a turbulent year for us. Since Meadhbh was placed on the waiting list in August 2010 really. Things were so different this time last year. She was sick at Christmas — and house-bound. We were waiting on that phone-call. Christmas was tense — a time of anxiety — not enjoyment really.