Ireland will send 24 athletes to the Games which run from August 31st to September 6th, and they will be joined by family and friends. “It’s not about the medals, but about the chance to celebrate the gift of life. That’s what makes these Games so special,” said team manager Colin White.

Cavan has the second highest county representation on the Irish team, behind Dublin and Cork. The three Cavan athletes are Eamonn Malone, Toneymore, Cavan; Paul Donohoe, Doogarry; and Rose Dalton, Loughduff.

Last year, Paul took part in the World Transplant Games in Bangkok, Thailand, and he is also National Chairman of the Irish Kidney Association.

The father of three, who lived in Drumreilly, Co Leitrim, for seven years, but now lives in Doogary, Co Cavan, was diagnosed with renal failure at 15 months when it was thought that he had no chance of survival.

“Thanks to the my mother’s persistence I was transferred to the Meath hospital in Dublin,” said Paul.
“I am now very happy to have three healthy children. I have good health and try to live life to the full,” said Paul, who trains the U-10 GAA team in Carrigallen, where his children attend the local school. Paul will compete in darts, badminton, bowling and 3km walk.

Rose Dalton had a transplant in September, 2000, and she has previously competed in the World Transplant Games in Canada, and at the European Games in Hungary, where she won a European bronze medal for badminton. This year, her chosen sports are badminton and bowling.

Eamonn was scheduled to take part in last year’s World Transplant Games, but had to cry off shortly before the team departed. His colleagues are delighted he can take part this year. He will take part in table tennis, bowling, shot putt, and 3km race walk.

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