Ten Irish transplant athletes delivered an impressive performance at the recent British Transplant Games with a sweep of 22 medals including 10 gold, nine silver and three bronze.
The British Transplant Games sees teams from transplant centres across the UK competing. Ireland is also invited to participate, represented by the Dublin Transplant Children’s team and the Dublin Transplant Adults team. Both teams come under the banner of Transplant Team Ireland, which is the sports programme organised by the Irish Kidney Association. The seven adult members on the team will be among the 38 athletes representing Ireland at the World Transplant Games which will be held in Newcastle Gateshead in August.
On the track, Laura McDowell (Dalkey, Dublin) won gold in the 3km run (nine-11-years); Tara Madigan also won gold for the 3km in the 12-14-years category, as well as silver in the 100m track. Both athletes secured golds in their respective age groups for the long jump.
Mike Keohane (Rosscarbery, Cork) a liver transplant recipient, claimed gold in the 40-49-years 5km race walk and Trevor Lynch, a bone marrow transplant recipient from Cappamore, Limerick, won three silver medals for the 5km, 800m and 1,500 in the 50-59-years category. Gold, silver and bronze medals were also won for long jumps, shot putt, discus, swimming, and ten-pin bowling.
Colin White, manager of the Dublin Transplant Adults team and Transplant Team Ireland said: “The two Irish teams performed fantastically well at the Games and with each of the adults also competing in the World Transplant Games in Newcastle, it was a great test event.”
This year, the Irish children’s team welcomed new team manager, Aoife O’Gorman. “The future is looking bright for the children’s team with a concerted drive planned to recruit new families in preparation for next year’s Games in Coventry. Families who are interested can contact me at the Irish Kidney Association for more information,” said White.
In 2020, Dublin will host the European Transplant and Dialysis Sports Championships on August 2-9.
