'I will forever be grateful' - Carlow man receives World Transplant Games Hall of Fame Award

Transplant Sport Ireland had 28 athletes taking part in the World Transplant Games in Dresden from August 16-24.

With over 2000 athletes competing in over 17 sports, the World Transplant Games is the sporting pinnacle of the world transplant community, catering to both high-performance and social athletes. Led by Team Manager Harry Ward from Baldoyle, the Irish athletes come from Carlow, Clare, Cork, Dublin, Galway, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Limerick, Tipperary, and Westmeath.

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These Games are a celebration of a second chance of life, demonstrating the success of transplant surgery and promoting
the need to raise public awareness of organ and tissue donation. The Irish team won a staggering 28 medals – 11 Gold, 12 Silver and 5 Bronze medals.

Transplant Sport Ireland’s team to the World Games in Germany comes after the success of the Irish team’s success at the British Games where Team Ireland (8 adult athletes, 3 Living donors and 3 U18 athletes) won 19 medals.

The athletes in the World Games in Dresden have all been transplanted including those with liver, double lungs, kidney and bone marrow transplants. The Irish team also had one Living Donor Ivan Kinahan from Dublin who donated his kidney to son Sam, and Ivan won Gold in the Living Donor category.

Bryan Duignan, a kidney recipient from Carlow, participated in his second World Games. Having played GAA and football before he got sick Bryan always loved sports and the competitive side. Now he appreciates the fact he can do physical activities,

"Completing my first triathlon would be up there with the sense of accomplishment. I also did an Ironman 70.3 and also the Escape from Alcatraz triathlon last year. Both of these were took a lot of time and training - something I couldn’t have done before I got my transplant.

"So I will forever be grateful for my donor and the gift I received. I wear that message on my arm to inspire me when I’m struggling during a race."

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Transplant Sport Ireland is very proud of all its athletes who powerfully showcase that Organ Donation works. Organ donors save lives. At any one time in Ireland there are between 550 and 600 people active on waiting lists for organ transplants including heart, lung, liver, bone marrow, kidney, and pancreas.

Making friends and family aware of your wishes on organ donation are the key steps towards saving lives - TSI encourages
everyone to Have the Conversation, Say ‘Yes’ to Organ Donation!

If you would like more information, check out the TSI website transplantsportireland.ie and our social media platforms. If you would like to get involved with the Team or can help with sponsorship, email transplantsportireland@gmail.com