Irish transplant athletes told they have 'true grit'

The achievements of those on the Irish Transplant Team is inspirational, Kilkenny hurling legend Brian Cody told those participating in the upcoming European Transplant & Dialysis Sports Championships yesterday, writes Brian Byrne. He was speaking in Kilcullen Community Centre, presenting them with their team kit for the event which begins in Lisbon on Sunday 21 July.

Referencing the medical challenges they each had faced in their lives, he said it was just wonderful that when they had received a second chance at life, that they would further challenge themselves in sport. "To keep going, and to drive on, that's dedication, true grit," he told the 26 competing athletes and members of their families who attended the Kilcullen kit launch. "To me, spirit is everything, spirit within a group is making sure that everybody in the group feels a part of it. When there is spirit within a group, then the sky is the limit."

He urged the transplant and dialysis athletes, coming from nine counties across Ireland, to enjoy every aspect of the European games, including this period leading up to it. "It is the time of your lives. Not everyone will win medals, but by taking part you are all winners. Giving everything you have, being the best you can be."

Drawing on his own life experience in hurling as player and team management, he told his audience the same things that he had always advised his own team. "Don't think about what can go wrong, don't let the pressure stop you from playing. Just put your best foot forward and go out and compete. Be normal. Be yourselves. Let yourselves go with freedom." 

The athletes travelling to Lisbon will take part in a variety of sports including Athletics, Badminton, 10-Pin Bowling, Cycling, Darts, Golf, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis and Petanque. They are recipients of donated lungs, kidneys, livers, bone marrow, and hearts and also include one athlete who is on dialysis. 

Kilcullen's James Nolan, kidney transplant recipient and many times a competitor in transplant and dialysis international competition, is a member of the team for Lisbon. Founder of the Punchestown Kidney Research Fund (PKRF) which has raised over €1.9 million to date for kidney related projects, he hosted the Kilcullen launch, which was organised by Transport Sport Ireland, a voluntary organisation that supports transplant and dialysis patients and encourages the leading of active lifestyles for them through sport.

In addition to Brian Cody, those in Kilcullen yesterday were addressed by James Nolan, team manager Harry Ward, and Trevor Lynch, Chairperson of Transplant Sport Ireland.

"The time of your lives," Brian Cody says.

Brian Cody meets Orla Hogan from Tipperary, kidney transplant recipient and recent amputee.

James Nolan receives his cap for Lisbon.

Orla Hogan with Ron Grainger, kidney transplant athlete and surgeon.

9-year-old Parker Flynn receiving a special presentation from team manager Harry Ward, for giving his communion money to register as an official supporter of the team.

Trevor Lynch, Chairperson of Transplant Sport Ireland.

Brian Cody with Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer, Emma Nolan, and Community Centre manager Enda O'Neill.

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