Irish athletes compete at World Transplant Games this week
The Irish team of 28 includes people from 13 counties, and they face more than 2,000 competitors across 17 sports in Dresden.
Team manager Harry Ward, who had a kidney transplant in 2007, said: 'This is a celebration of life, a tribute to the heroes who gave us a second chance, and a rallying cry of the benefits of organ donation.
'My transplant changed everything,' he said.
'I remember my donor every single day. Now, I want to show the world what organ donation makes possible.'
At any one time, up to 600 people in Ireland are waiting for a transplant.
'These athletes are living proof that organ donation works and saves lives,' Mr Ward said.
One living donor is also competing: Ivan Kinahan, from Dublin, gave his kidney to his son Sam.
Transplant Sport Ireland team captain Harry Ward with kit day inspirational speaker Rachel Blackmore. File picture
Mairéad O'Mahony, from Berrings, North Cork, had a bone marrow transplant 28 years ago. Her brother Willie was her donor.
Speaking about returning to running with this team, she said: 'I felt that I was reconnecting with something I loved so much, which was taken from me on my cancer diagnosis. I was so excited to potentially achieve some of the dreams which, as a 17-year-old, I thought were gone forever.
'It means the world to me to represent Ireland in the Games. I am so proud to wear the Irish kit, and it really is a dream come true.'
Marie O'Connor, from Lahinch in Clare, had a kidney transplant in 1998. 'That just changed my life,' she said.
'I am still here today, and it is because of my donor to whom I will be forever grateful.'
Trevor Lynch, from Limerick and living in England, had two bone marrow transplants after being diagnosed with lymphoma in 2012.
Guest speaker Rachel Blackmore with some members of the Transplant Sport Ireland team — Hugh Nolan, Doneraile, Amanda O'Neill Coyne, Youghal, Mairead O'Mahony, Berrings, Val Weblin, Drimoleague, Pat O'Sullivan, Mallow, and Mike Keohane, Rosscarbery. File picture
'It was great to be part of a team of athletes who have all had similar life-changing experiences,' he said.
'This gave me something to focus on other than worrying about what if I relapsed again. It allowed me to enjoy the second chance at life which I received.'
Bryan Duignan, from Tipperary and living in Carlow, is also proud to pull on the green jersey.
He had a kidney transplant almost 20 years ago, which gave the former GAA player back his love of sport. Last year, he raced in an Ironman 70.3 and in the Escape from Alcatraz triathlon.
'Both of these took a lot of time and training — something I couldn't have done before I got my transplant — so I will forever be grateful for my donor and the gift I received.'
Pat O'Sullivan, from Mallow, had a kidney transplant in 2015.
'I've climbed a mountain in Croatia. Before my transplant, climbing a stairs was difficult,' he said. 'My life has totally changed.'
You can follow the team online at TransplantSportIreland.ie.
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