'The noblest act' of organ donation 'a light in our darkest days', says mother of road accident victim

Martina Goggin: 'I feel it is so important that every person who wishes to, is offered the possibility of becoming an organ donor, and the change in legislation will, hopefully, ensure this happens.'

The mother of a young man who died after a road accident said organ donation was a light in the family’s darkest days and called on others to donate in 2026.

However Dr Catherine Motherway, former head of the Limerick intensive care unit, warned donor numbers were lower this year. HSE figures show 202 organ transplants for 2025 thanks to 97 organ donors, living and deceased, and their families. Some people donated more than one organ.