Transplant athletes presented with 2025 kit in Kilcullen

The mental challenges of competing were highlighted by champion jockey Rachel Blackmore yesterday when she met with Transplant Sport Ireland members in Kilcullen Community Centre, ahead of upcoming international competitions. She was the guest speaker at the group's Annual Kit Day.

After some reflection on her own sporting journey, she acknowledged the resilience and strength of those athletes in the room, and told them the important thing was to stay 'focused, relaxed and present' as they prepare for competition. 

Thirty-nine athletes were presented with their official Team Ireland kit for both the British Transplant Games in Oxford and the World Transplant Games in Dresden, Germany.

In all, more than a hundred people gathered in the centre for the event, including athletes, members of their families, and supporters. It was hosted by Kilcullen businessman James Nolan, and the kit was sponsored by the Punchestown Kidney Research Fund, founded by James more than three decades ago after he received his own kidney transplant.

This year, Team Ireland will field eight adult athletes, two living donors, and four U18s at the British Transplant Games in Oxford, and 29 transplant athletes at the World Transplant Games in Dresden.

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