Mullingar man for European Transplant and Dialysis Sports Championships
John Connell, a kidney transplant recipient from Mullingar who lives in South Africa, will be competing in two cycling events at the European Transplant and Dialysis Sports Championships in Krakow, Poland on August 16-23.
John has always been athletic; in fact he moved from Ireland to South Africa in 2005 to enjoy the vibrant cycling scene on the Cape. When he began to slow down in 2009 he blamed it on middle age, but a check-up in summer 2010 immediately led to an end stage renal failure diagnosis, with dialysis in view within months. He sent one quick email home and his amazing family swept into action.
His four sisters volunteered to be tested in Dublin and all were found to be compatible donors. Frances volunteered to be his donor, and Cape Town carried out all his testing and co-ordinated with Dublin, so that in May 2011 Frances flew over and a successful operation was carried out in Chris Barnard Hospital Cape Town.
Ahead of the transplant games, John said: “I’m looking forward immensely to the championships in Krakow and being part of the 34-strong Irish contingent. Since most of my relatives are travelling in support, my two families can meet and party together at last!
“I was reminded this week of how far I have come since my kidney transplant three years ago. I caught myself wondering how I am going to balance the demands of a senior IT job, keep the house renovations on track, and ramp up my cycling training as the games approach.
“Hey, these are ordinary problems for an ordinary person! Organ donation works!”
James Hannon from Edgeworthstown is also on the Irish panel. He got a kidney transplant in winter 2005 and he will be competing in the 30-39 years age category in: Petanque Doubles; Bowling Doubles; Bowling Mixed Doubles; and Darts Singles.
James has a rare genetic condition called cystinosis. He needed two kidney transplants the first came in 1991 and the second in 2005.
He has competed in: European games – Dublin 2010; World Games – Australia 2009; European Games – Germany 2008; World Games – Thailand 2007; European Games – Hungary 2006; and European Games – Slovenia 2004.
“It is an honour to represent my country along with 33 others from all over Ireland and help spread the word on the importance of organ donation,” said James, who is looking forward to catching up with friends from past games and meeting new members and of course “having lots of fun”.
The Irish team, which comprises 25 men and nine women ranging in age from 16 to 76, includes 29 transplant recipients (five liver, 22 kidney, one combined kidney/pancreas, one bone marrow) as well as five people who are receiving dialysis treatment.
At the previous European Games which were held in Zagreb, Croatia in 2012, with a smaller team of 26, Ireland was placed in third place on the medals table after France and Slovenia out of 28 participating countries after securing an impressive medals haul of 14 Gold, 15 Silver and 21 Bronze.
Irish team blog: www.transplantteamireland.wordpress.com
Games website: www.etdsc2014krakow.pl
For an organ donor card Freetext the word DONOR to 50050 or visit website www.ika.ie.
You can download an organ donor card on smartphones by searching for ‘Donor ECard’ at the iphone store or android market place.
Your wishes to be an organ donor can also be included on the new format driving licence which is represented by Code 115.