14-05-2025
‘Her generosity is beyond words' says Irish farmer who received kidney from goddaughter 32 years after first transplant
AN Irish farmer received a kidney from his goddaughter 32 years after his first transplant - and he said "her generosity is beyond words".
As Organ Donor Awareness Week comes to an end, Michael Fennessy explained how his second kidney
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A farmer said a transplant from his goddaughter saved his life
Credit: Irish Kidney Association
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His story is coming to light during Organ Donor Awareness Week
Credit: Irish Kidney Association
A farmer from Cahir
Katie, now in her 30s, had been a flower girl at Michael and his wife Carmel's wedding three decades ago, which was almost postponed due to his first kidney transplant.
At that time, Michael was 27 and struggling with serious health issues when a call came just days before the
He said: 'I was 27 when I got my first transplant.
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'I was really struggling with my health at the time. Carmel and I had a wedding date set, the invitations were issued, but my health was in decline.
'Then, out of the blue, we got the call to say a deceased donor kidney had become available and this was just 6 days before we were due to marry.'
The pair eventually tied the knot with a new sense of gratitude - and his goddaughter Katie had her moment as the flower girl like planned.
Over the years, Michael and Katie remained close and when his kidney began to decline again decades later, she didn't hesitate to be tested as a potential living donor.
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Michael said: 'Katie is both my niece and my goddaughter from before my children were born.
'When she offered to be tested, I was deeply moved. It's not something you can ever take for granted.'
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Tests showed it was Katie who proved to be the best match and her decision to donate gave Michael a second chance at life once again.
Michael continued: 'Her generosity is beyond words. I'll never be able to thank her enough.'
Michael and Carmel now have three adult children and they always honoured the anniversary of his first transplant with a mass and family gatherings.
Only a few months after donating her kidney, Katie moved to
And although she left Ireland, Michael said her incredible act of love and generosity will remain part of her legacy at home.
He added: 'I've been given a second chance again.
'To get 32 years from the first kidney was a blessing from a deceased donor family.
'And now, to have Katie give me another chance with renewed health, it's something I'll be forever grateful for.'
ORGAN DONOR AWARENESS WEEK
Running until May 17, Organ Donor Awareness Week is a campaign led by the Irish Kidney Association and Organ Donation Transplant Ireland to encourage more conversations about organ donation.
In 2024, the 263 organ
Among these were 175 kidney transplants, 53 liver transplants, 16 heart transplants, 15 lung transplants and 4 pancreas transplants.
And there are still 676 people waiting for life saving transplants in Ireland, with over 500 of whom in need of a kidney.
To support organ donation, the Irish Kidney Association said you can start by talking to your loved ones and making your wishes known.
You can also request a free Organ Donor Card from their website at
To order an organ donor card, click
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She was the flower girl at his wedding over 30 years prior
Credit: Irish Kidney Association
