Transplant Team Ireland - Rebel dart-throwers really make their point

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Rebel dart-throwers really make their point

Written by Colin White
Tuesday, 02 September 2008
A Cobh man who received a new liver just over a year ago is today (TUESDAY) the toast of the Irish contingent at the 5th European Transplant and Dialysis Games in Germany – and two fellow Corkonians collected silver medals to complete a great day for the Rebel County in the darts competition. Retired skipper Charlie Ryan (63) scored the highest individual score of any category in the darts championships when he landed 180 on his way to glory in the Super Veterans title in a keenly-contested tournament. Catherine Murphy, Aghabullogue, and Daniel McCarthy, Aghada, each won silver medals on a day when the Cork and Irish flags flew prominently in the darts arena. Tonight Charlie will be joined in celebration by a group of seven friends from Cobh, all of whom are regulars at the Quarry Cock bar, where Charlie plays his darts. The seven turned up a day late after their flight from Ireland was cancelled, thereby causing them to miss Charlie’s match-winning performance, but they are expected to lead the celebrations in Wurzburg tonight. “I’m delighted with the win,” said Charlie. “I play a lot of darts in the Quarry Cock bar, and I practiced hard for these Games. I am so happy, particularly after coming through the liver transplant. “I got a lot of support from people in Cobh, and it is wonderful that my seven friends have been able to join me here. It is a pity they didn’t get here on time, but that’s the way it goes sometime – at least they are here now and we will celebrate this win with great enthusiasm. “It is a great day for Cork, too, with Catherine and Donie both winning medals. They played brilliantly and all the Irish team and supporters gave us all great backing in our games.” Charlie now looks forward to defending his title on home soil in 2010, when the 6th European Transplant & Dialysis Games take place in Dublin. Later this month, he will bring his European medal to the United States of America, when he visits his sister in North Carolina. “I only took up darts in the last year, but I must say I really enjoy the game. I couldn’t believe it when I won a silver medal,” said Catherine. Donie, a well-known barman in The Bishopstown Bar in Cork, was also chuffed with his silver medal. “My opponent in the final was very good. I had to fight hard to get to the final against a number of other good opponents, and I am delighted with the silver medal,” he said. The beautiful streets and squares of Wurzburg resounded to the strains of Galway Girl, Jerusalem, and The Contender, as the Cobh crew celebrated Charlie's win. We suspect there will be a big night in the Quarry Cock soon on the back of this win. Dubliner Peter Heffernan, Skerries, picked up four medals in the swimming pool, including two silver and two bronze. “It was a busy day, but worth it – and, as someone who is on dialysis, swimming and involvement in these Games means so much. It gives me a huge boost.” The European Transplant and Dialysis Games aim to highlight the importance of organ donation and promote the idea of healthy living through sport. They also allow the athletes an opportunity to give thanks for the gift of their transplants. Log onto www.transplantteamireland.com to follow the team’s progress. For Organ Donor Cards freetext the word DONOR to 50050 or visit the Irish Kidney Association website www.ika.ie.