Silver for James Nolan in the Netherlands

A sun-soaked Netherlands is providing the backdrop for the European Transplant Games, where Kilcullen's James Nolan has enjoyed a memorable week of competition and camaraderie.

He teamed up with Kilkenny’s John Paul O’Neill for the team golf event on Wednesday, though the pair were unable to produce a strong score. He bounced back in style on Thursday, however, delivering an excellent performance in the individual golf competition to claim a silver medal.

Reflecting on the event, James described the Dutch Games as “absolutely incredible,” praising the organisation and the setting. The team is staying at the Papendal Hotel, the Dutch Olympic training centre for high-performance athletes, which he said has added to the experience.

There was disappointment for some competitors after a government red alert weather warning led to the cancellation of the athletics programme. But James said the decision was widely understood, with health and safety taking priority.

Above all, he said, the Games have been a reminder of how fortunate the athletes are to be there, thanks to the generosity of their donors.

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