Connect with us

News

‘I thank my kidney donor for giving me this opportunity’

Published

on

K

KILLARNEY native Con Brosnan returned this week after the experience of a lifetime and he was quick to pay tribute to the generosity of the organ donor who had made it possible. Con was one of the 27-member Transplant Team Ireland who touched down in Dublin Airport on Sunday.

All had notched top-class performances at the 21st World Transplant Games in Malaga both on and off the competitive field.

The Irish team won a total of 32 medals while at the same time demonstrating their zest for life, team spirit, sportsmanship and infectious goodwill while honouring their organ donors.

The Irish team’s impressive medals haul includes 14 gold, 7 silver and 11 bronze from various sporting events.

It was the first World Transplant Games for Con Brosnan from Killarney to take part in and although he didn't bring home a medal from his golf events he said: "I thoroughly enjoyed the Games experience and spending time with the team who welcomed me and have become my extended family.”

He added: “I thank my kidney donor for giving me this wonderful opportunity.”

Con was supported at the Games by Teresa and Pat Looney of the Kerry branch of the Irish Kidney Association: “I want to thank Teresa and Pat Looney who travelled with me to the Games from Kerry as they were a great support.”

Team member, Dubliner Deirdre Faul (a liver transplant recipient), managed to break two world records in the swimming pool on her way to winning 4 gold medals, including her 6th world title in Squash.

The oldest member of the team and retired university lecturer John McAleer (age 79) from Jordanstown in Antrim, won a bronze medal in the golf singles event.

The team includes 4 liver transplant recipients and 23 kidney transplant recipients

The 21st World Transplant Games involved 1000 competitors from 51 countries and every athlete who competed will have received a kidney, liver, heart, lung, pancreas or bone marrow transplant.

For organ donor cards Freetext DONOR to 50050 or visit website www.ika.ie/card You can now download the IKA’s new digital donor card by visiting www.donor.ie on your smartphone. Your wishes to be an organ donor can also be included on the new format driving licence which is represented by Code 115.
 


 
Above: Con Brosnan, right, with Pat and Teresa Looney.

Advertisement

News

Kilcummin GAA announces return of annual Pink Night

The Ladies’ Committee of Kilcummin GAA Club has announced the return of its annual Pink Night, set to take place in The Klub Bar on Saturday, January 3. Now in […]

Published

on

The Ladies’ Committee of Kilcummin GAA Club has announced the return of its annual Pink Night, set to take place in The Klub Bar on Saturday, January 3.

Now in its 12th year, the event will support Comfort for Chemo for the fifth year running. The evening promises both fun and fundraising for the charity.

Guests will be greeted with a Prosecco reception and chocolate-dipped strawberries to start the post-Christmas celebration.
While attendees are encouraged to wear pink, dressing up is optional, with the focus on community and support for the cause. Prizes will be awarded for Best Dressed Female and Best Dressed Male.

The event begins at 8:00pm. Entertainment will be provided by Derry and Rosie Healy followed by Barry McGrath playing late into the night.

A raffle and door prizes, kindly provided by local sponsors, will take place on the night. Committee member Kathleen Ryan said the continued support of the local sponsors is deeply appreciated.

Admission to the event is free, and all are welcome to attend the celebration.

Continue Reading

News

A winter ascent of the MacGillycuddy Reeks is always special

Killarney resident and experienced mountaineer Melissa Trant recently shared incredible photographs and her account of climbing the snow-capped MacGillycuddy Reeks, highlighting the unique experience of the mountain range during winter. […]

Published

on

Killarney resident and experienced mountaineer Melissa Trant recently shared incredible photographs and her account of climbing the snow-capped MacGillycuddy Reeks, highlighting the unique experience of the mountain range during winter.

The MacGillycuddy Reeks at Christmas time offer a cure for whatever the heart needs, whether it is peace, relaxation, or reflection. Melissa described spending time there as magical at any point of the year, but particularly during the winter months when the mountains are covered in snow.
Climbing one of the winter routes on Carrauntoohil, Ireland’s highest mountain, requires essential safety gear, including crampons, an ice axe, and a helmet, making the experience “incredibly exciting and fun.”
Melissa said that she enjoys visiting the stunning peaks of the MacGillycuddy Reeks often because it is a place she can never get enough of. She finds that mountains make her feel alive, giving her joy, thrill, satisfaction, and peace. She added that the feeling of tranquility and calm on the mountains encompasses every ounce of her.
With Ireland’s finest and highest mountain range on our doorstep in Killarney, Melissa said she feels blessed to be able to head up whenever the mountains are calling

Continue Reading

Last News

Sport