Team captain Mick Dwyer

Philip Martin, Swords, and Deirdre Faul, Dalkey, both won gold medals on the golf course, while Cabinteely man Mick Dwyer – the team captain – picked up a silver medal.
All three have come through difficult times in their lives, with Philip receiving a total of three kidney transplants in his life. The third transplant occurred last year when his sister Lorna donated of her kidneys to him, and he has enjoyed excellent health since.
“It is incredible how well I feel now since last year’s transplant, and taking part in these Games is my way of saying thanks to Lorna and the two earlier donors,” said Philip.
Deirdre, who received a liver transplant, has been enjoying an excellent World Games, having already won gold medals in squash and badminton.
 Another Dublin athlete – Tom Metcalfe. Stepaside – qualified for the final of the 50m breaststroke but was narrowly outside the medals.
 Fifty countries have sent athletes to the games which celebrate the gift of life.
The 19-strong team, ranging in age from 22 to 64, have travelled Down Under with 13 new kidneys, five new livers and one new kidney-pancreas.
 “Every day, the athletes remember their donors, and each performance, let alone victory, is a way of saying thank you to the donors who gave them the gift of life,” said team manager Colin White.
The full Irish team is:
Paul Donohoe (Cavan); Michael Dwyer (captain, Dublin); Deirdre Faul (vice-captain, Dublin); Tony Gartland (Wicklow); James Hannon (Longford);  John Loftus (Limerick); Philip Martin (Dublin); Tom Metcalfe (Dublin); Linda Meyler (Galway); Catherine Murphy (Cork); James Nolan (Kildare); John Paul O’Neill (Kilkenny); Paul Prendergast (Dublin); Orla Hogan-Ryan (Tipperary); Charlie Ryan (Cork); Leonard Ryan (Dublin); Angela Sherlock (Dublin); Harry Ward (Dublin); and Vienna White (Donegal.)
The team is accompanied by manager Colin White; team doctor Emer Kilbride; physio Clare Hogan; and Mark Murphy, the CEO of the Irish Kidney Association.
A special website has been built – www.transplantteamireland.com – where supporters can follow the team’s progress. For an organ donor card FREETEXT the word ‘DONOR’ to 50050.