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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.