John Loftus, a former Ballybrown hurler and mentor when the club reached the 1990 All-Ireland club final, was just pipped for the gold in an exciting 100m race for Super Veterans in Bangkok last year.

Now John is planning to take part in the European Transplant & Dialysis Games in Germany from August 31st to September 7th.

And to help the Irish team defray the costs, he is running a special Steak Barbecue in De Bucket, Ferry Bridge, Clarina, on Friday next, July 18th.  There will be a number of items for raffle and auction on the night, including autographed jerseys, and John has appealed for local support.

There will also be a raffle for two All-Ireland final tickets, either hurling or football.

"The Irish team plays an important role in giving hope and an outlet to people who are on dialysis, or who have had transplants. Taking part in the European Games is about so much more than the sports themselves - it is a way of celebrating the gift of life," said John, who was transplanted with a
new kidney in 2000.

"I would ask people to support the event. All money raised will go towards the huge costs involving in getting the Irish team to Germany for the event."

For an organ donor card free text the word 'DONOR' to 50050 or for more information log on to www.ika.ie.