Soccer Transplant Team Ireland sponsorship announcement

SONAS Bathrooms has announced their sponsorship of the Soccer Transplant Team Ireland.

The aim of this team of remarkable individuals is to emphasise the positive power of donating organs.

The team is made up of players throughout Ireland who have undergone transplants of organs such as the heart, double lungs, liver, kidney, and bone marrow.

Soccer Transplant Team Ireland were delighted to finish runners-up at their inaugural soccer transplant tournament in Solihull Birmingham, organised by Transplant Sport UK.

The team now look forward now to representing Ireland in July in the British Transplant games in Coventry, and have an eye to the World Transplant Games in Italy in March 2024.

Team members Jayson Flynn, Ballyfermot, John Brennan, Dundalk, with Sonas Bathrooms CEO, Richard Sloan and Andrew Gallagher,
Dundalk at the announcement of the Sonas sponsorship

Speaking at the announcement of the sponsorship, team captain and heart transplant recipient, John Brennan, said “We are a mixed group brought together by the gift of organ donation. Representing the country gives huge motivation for those on organ waiting lists to stay well, joy to those who spent their childhoods in and out of hospital; denied of the opportunity to participate in childhood sport and provides a wonderful framework of support, training and brotherhood for us all. We have huge plans for this team and welcome the support of Sonas Bathrooms.”

He continued “Whilst our stories are unique, each of us shares a common bond of facing adversity. Team Ireland showcases the success of organ donation and transplantation whilst offering inspiration to those who are newly transplanted or newly diagnosed with organ failure. Once they are twelve months post-transplant, we hope some might consider joining the team. We welcome all levels of fitness even if someone just has the capacity to spend a few minutes on the pitch that’s their achievement.”

CEO of Sonas, Richard Sloan said “When this opportunity was brought to us through one of the Sonas team here whose brother is involved, we didn’t give it a second thought. The Transplant Games show us what the gift of organ donation does. These athletes are the living embodiment of the generosity of others. It is a genuine privilege for Sonas to support the bravery of these extraordinary men and the wonderful families who have supported them, both their own families and the families of the organ donors.

“We have been inspired by the team and our sponsorship is just the beginning. We hope to use all our channels including our own employees and the wide network of bathroom retailers, builders and plumbers merchants we work with to help spread the vital message of the importance of organ donation.”

Soccer Transplant Team Ireland have asked people to please have the conversation with your loved ones and consider carrying a physical or digital organ donor card, by searching “Digital Organ Donor Card” on your app store.

For more information on the team, search for Soccer Transplant Team Ireland on Facebook or visit www.soccertransplantteamireland.ie.