Pundit Brolly ‘honoured’ to donate kidney to GAA coaching colleague

He may be the fastest-talking GAA pundit in the country, but action spoke louder than words for All-Ireland winner Joe Brolly when a club colleague required a kidney transplant this week.

RTÉ pundit Brolly was recovering at a London hospital last night after donating his kidney to St Brigid’s, Belfast, coaching colleague Shane Finnegan.

No surprise about Joe Brolly, still regularly helps out Dungiven behind the scenes. GAA to the core. Very selfless act. Fair play #joebrolly

— Cahair O'Kane (@CahairOKane1) October 5, 2012

Mr Finnegan, 40, received the organ following transplant surgery at Guy’s Hospital on Wednesday. Both men — who got to know each other from working with the club’s U10 team — remain in London under medical supervision.

Very very proud of Joe truly a great man one of the most selfless and compassionate acts of friendship ever undertaken #joebrolly

— Dr Ryan Feeney (@ryanjfeeney) October 5, 2012

Controversial former Derry star Brolly, 42, said last night: “I’m honoured to have been in the position to help Shane.

“He’s been waiting for a transplant for over six years. When I heard that the only possibility of one was through a live donor, I contacted his medical team.

“And of course in my considered opinion it’s all going according to plan — and thankfully the doctors concur.”

Finnegan said: “Joe’s altruism is overwhelming and of course there are no words to thank him or his family for his wonderful gift.

“I know it’s early days but I’m so relieved that it’s all going well for both of us so far.”

St Brigid’s club chairman Dermot Dowling added: “It shows Joe’s personality and big heart, not to mention his respect for the ethos of the GAA that he would do such a thing.”