“Daniel ‘Donny’ Mc Carthy will be my partner for the mixed doubles badminton and I will also compete in the 3k walk, ten pin bowling and 100m track. The Games are quite competitive but it’s all about being able to do it,” said the Aghabullogue woman.

The mother of three was given a liver transplant in 2001 after she suddenly got liver failure.

“I had Budd Chiarri Syndrome, which is a clot in the hepatic vein, and I was very ill. I was so lucky to get a donor. I wouldn’t be here without the generosity of the people who choose to donate their organs,” she said.

“It was only after I had the transplant that I realised the importance of organ donors and cards. That’s why I am taking part in the Games, because I am able to do it and I want to give thanks for the gift of the transplant.”

The active Super Veteran won a silver and a bronze medal at the European Transplant Games last year, but the modest Cork woman will not take all the credit herself.

“I won two medals for the badminton mixed doubles last year but I owe that to my partner who was fantastic,” added Catherine.

The 16th World Transplant Games will run from Saturday, August 25th until Sunday, September 2nd.

Sporty Catherine is a member of the Inniscarra Pitch and Putt Club and the Aghabullogue Badminton Club. She also played camogie with UCC and Watergrasshill when she was younger.

In a bid to raise money for the trip to Thailand, which will raise awareness of organ donation, a poker night was organised.

“Daniel Mc Carthy and myself organised a Texas Hold ‘Em Classic in The ArchesBar in Mallow. I also got generous sponsorship from Monica Holland’s Pharmacy in Cloghroe, John O’Neill’s pub in Watergrasshill and John Hogan’s pub in Coachford,” said Catherine.

It will be a family affair for the Cork lady in Bangkok as her husband Murt will accompany her on the two-week trip and her daughter will visit her in Thailand.

“My daughter will be travelling in Thailand at the time so she will meet up with us for a few days,” she added.

You can follow the team’s progress on www.transplantteamireland.com.

For an organ donor card free text the word ‘DONOR’ to 50050 or log on to www.ika.ie for more information.