The Irish squad that will travel to Thailand to compete in the World Transplant Games on Tuesday next (AUGUST 21st) has just been finalised.

The competitors, all of whom have had transplants, will wear the green, white and gold in the 16th World Transplant Games in Bangkok, from Saturday, August 25th until Sunday, September 2nd.

The athletes come from all over Ireland and range in age from 20 to 70 and for nine of them this will be their first time competing at this level.

Irish team and officials

“It’s not about winning, it’s about taking part. It’s about honouring our donors and it’s about demonstrating that organ transplantation works. That’s a vital message to get out there as the need for a life saving organ transplant can visit a family with devastating speed, and at any age, even babies and children,” said 70 year-old Terry Mangan, the oldest member of the Irish squad, and who got a new lease of life with a heart transplant eleven years ago.

Many of the athletes are accompanied by families and friends anxious to join with them in celebrating the new lives granted them by the f transplantation. Local sponsors have helped the athletes defray the cost of taking part.

Team manager Colin White paid tribute to the determination of the athletes taking part. “They have worked very hard to prepare for the Games, and they will help to show the world that you can enjoy a great life after receiving a transplant,” he said.

“In Thailand, they will celebrate their healthy lifestyles and also join with fellow transplant recipients all over the world who are leading full lives after organ failure and transplantation.”

The Irish team will be captained by Dubliner Deirdre Faul, and the other team members are Hugo Boyce (Donegal), Garret Campbell (Wicklow), John Cormican (Roscommon), Paul Donohoe (Cavan), Rachel Eagleton (Meath), Monica Finn (Roscommon), Vera Frisby (Waterford), Tony Gartland (Carlow), Tony Gavigan (Meath), James Hannon (Longford), John Loftus (Limerick), Terry Mangan (Dublin), Daniel McCarthy (Cork), Peter Morgan (Dublin), Catherine Murphy (Cork), Bridie Nicholson (Sligo), James Nolan (Kildare), Marie O’Connor (Clare), Paul Prendergast (Dublin), Angela Sherlock (Dublin), Jennifer Tuohy (Clare) and Emma Walsh (Kilkenny.)

They will compete in golf, tennis, track and field, table tennis, ten-pin bowling, petanque, badminton, squash, and swimming.

A special website has been built – www.transplantteamireland.com – where supporters can follow the team’s progress and send on messages of support. The site profiles each athlete and will carry daily updates on how the athletes are getting on.

For an organ donor card free text the word ‘DONOR’ to 50050.