‘Heroic warriors’ ready to compete in transplant and dialysis games

A team of 26 athletes who survived organ transplants or are on dialysis will represent Ireland against the best of Europe next month.

Nine women and 17 men aged from 18 to 74 years will take part in the European Transplant & Dialysis Games in Zagreb, Croatia, from Aug 18 to 25. All have had a kidney, liver or pancreas transplant or are on dialysis.

Renowned transplant surgeon Dr David Hickey, who won three All-Ireland football medals in the 1970s, paid tribute to the sports men and women.

“The goal of successful organ transplantation is not only to save lives, but also to enable the complete physical, social, mental and spiritual rehabilitation of people with organ failure,” said the director of transplantation at Beaumont Hospital.

“The success of this aspiration is gloriously seen in this group of heroic warriors who will represent themselves, their donors and Ireland at the Transplant Games and Dialysis Games this August.”

Colin White, team manager, said: “Our team of 26 competitors, including six newcomers, are looking forward to joining our friends from across Europe in celebrating life through sport.

“The message from these games is clear: Organ donation works.”