Limerick athletes impress for Ireland at World Transplant Games in Germany

TWO Limerick athletes were members of the 28-strong Transplant Sport Ireland team which won an impressive 28 medals in the World Transplant Games in Dresden, Germany.

With over 2000 athletes competing in over 17 sports, the World Transplant Games is the sporting pinnacle of the world transplant community, catering to both high-performance and social athletes.

Led by Team Manager Harry Ward from Baldoyle, the Irish athletes come from Limerick (2), Carlow (1), Clare (1), Cork (5), Dublin (13), Galway (2), Kildare (1), Kilkenny (1), Laois (1), Tipperary (1), Westmeath (1).

READ MORE: Limerick Masters through to Challenge Cup All-Ireland Final against London

These Games are a celebration of a second chance of life, demonstrating the success of transplant surgery and promoting the need to raise public awareness of organ and tissue donation. The Irish team won a staggering 28 medals – 11 Gold, 12 Silver and 5 Bronze medals.

Robbie Merrigan from Limerick, but living in Watergrasshill, Co Cork, took part in Golf at the World Transplant Games. Robbie recently completed a challenge which saw him play four rounds across four countries in less than 24 hours.

The “Gift of Life Golf Challenge” saw Robbie and his best pal John Lynch complete four rounds in four countries within 24 hours — starting in Norway and finishing in Dublin, via Sweden and Denmark.

Trevor Lynch from Limerick, but living in the UK, is a bone marrow recipient and says: "Each games week is a wonderful celebration of life and being part of that is amazing. Being part of TSI for these events is also a wonderful experience as the team is so supportive, friendly and encouraging."

The transplant has changed Trevor’s mindset as he says: "Now, I find strength in knowing that I have already been through the most difficult of situations that life has thrown at me and there are always good times ahead. I try to worry less and enjoy every day as it comes."

Transplant Sport Ireland’s team to the World Games in Germany comes after the success of the Irish team’s success at the British Games where Team Ireland (8 adult athletes, 3 Living donors and 3 U18 athletes) won 19 medals. The athletes in the World Games in Dresden have all been transplanted including those with liver, double lungs, kidney and bone marrow transplants. 

Transplant Sport Ireland is very proud of all its athletes who powerfully showcase that Organ Donation works.

Organ donors save lives. At any one time in Ireland there are between 550 and 600 people active on waiting lists for organ transplants including heart, lung, liver, bone marrow, kidney, and pancreas.

Making friends and family aware of your wishes on organ donation are the key steps towards saving lives - TSI encourages everyone to Have the Conversation, Say ‘Yes’ to Organ Donation! If you would like more information, check out the TSI website transplantsportireland.ie and our social media platforms. If you would like to get involved with the Team or can help with sponsorship, email transplantsportireland@gmail.com