President McAleese was speaking in Aras an Uachtarain yesterday evening (WEDNESDAY) when she hosted a special reception for the team which captured 39 medals at the World Transplant Games in Bangkok earlier this month.

“You should feel very proud of yourselves. You have shown people that there can be a great life after getting a transplant, and you have touched the lives of more people than you realise,” said President McAleese.

“Maybe somebody was waiting for a transplant recently when they read about your exploits and it may have given them a lift, shown them what can be achieved after receiving a transplant.”

The 23-strong Irish team finished tenth on the medals table from 49 competing countries. “You did Ireland proud, and I am delighted to be able to host you this evening to tell you that,” she added.

Team manager Colin White said the reception at Aras an Uachtarain was the highlight of a roller-coaster month for the team. “We came home on a high to a great reception, but this is even better,” he said.

The team will compete in the 2009 World Transplant Games in Australia, and Ireland will host the European Transplant and Dialysis Games in 2010.