James Hannon, who is the proud owner of four medals at European level, was one of 23 Irish athletes who travelled to the 16th World Transplant Games in Thailand which ran from August 24th until September 2nd.

The Edgeworthstown man produced a superb effort in the ball throw, ten pin bowling doubles, badminton singles and petanque singles, but unfortunately he did not win any medals.

“I wouldn’t have been able to take part without the transplant and I am so thankful for it. It is the fact that I was able to take part that is so important,” said James, who was accompanied by his parents Martin and Teresa Hannon.

James represented his country in the European Transplant Games in 2004 and 2006 bringing home gold, silver and bronze medals and has won a host of competitions at national level.

“But this time I had the whole world against me,” he said.

The World Transplant Games were an opportunity for the athletes, all of whom have had transplants, to give thanks for their gift and promote organ donation.

James received his first transplant at just nine years of age. “It lasted ten years and then it just gave up,” he said.

“I felt like the second transplant was never going to come and I was fed up of the whole thing.”
James’ prayers were answered in January 2005, when he received a transplant, transforming his quality of life. “I can all do the things I would not have been able to do before. I get to go to concerts now and I saw ‘The Who’ in Marlay Park recently and I went to see REM for a rehearsal of their new album,” added James.

James’ old school, Ard Scoil Padraic in Granard, raised €1,000 towards the sponsorship of the two-week trip to Thailand.

“I am very grateful to everyone who made my trip to Bangkok possible. It was an honour to compete for my country,” added James.

Listen to the official World Transplant Games Song

For an organ donor card free text the word ‘DONOR’ to 50050. Full reports on the Irish team at the World Transplant Games can be found on www.TransplantTeamIreland.com