Dublin Ladies Captain Carla Rowe backs national blood donation appeal inspired by young hurler’s legacy

Dublin Ladies Football captain Carla Rowe has joined the Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) and the family of young Carlow hurler Oisín Kelly to launch a major national campaign encouraging younger people, particularly GAA members, to become regular blood donors.

The ‘Every Drop Counts’ campaign was launched this week at Croke Park and calls on GAA clubs nationwide to help address a critical need: only 17% of Irish blood donors are aged 18–30, despite younger donors being vital to maintaining the country’s blood supply in the years ahead.

Carla joined Oisín’s parents Brendan and Sinéad, Galway camogie player Dervla Higgins, Louth Captain Sam Mulroy, and Hurler of the Year John McGrath at Croke Park on Tuesday.

Their attendance reflects the strong community spirit within the GAA and their determination to ensure Oisín’s message reaches clubs and young players nationwide.

Speaking at the launch, Carla Rowe said: “Giving blood is such a simple act, yet it can make an enormous difference to someone’s life. I’d encourage young people across Dublin and beyond to think about donating, you could be the reason someone gets a second chance.”

The campaign is inspired by Oisín Kelly, a gifted Carlow hurler who passed away from bone cancer in 2023.

Throughout his illness, Oisín received many blood and platelet transfusions, and he made it his mission to increase awareness of blood donation among younger people.

As he said: “Every drop counts, I know.”

Oisín’s father, Brendan Kelly, said: “For us, this campaign keeps Oisín’s legacy alive.

“Two thirds of the demand for blood is for cancer treatment, and cancer affects one in two families.

“Donations made a massive difference to the quality of Oisín’s life during his battle. They gave him time with family and friends he would not have had without regular blood donations, and that was priceless.

“We are urging GAA clubs across the country to sign up and help drive the next generation of blood donors.”

Orla O’Brien, CEO of the Irish Blood Transfusion Service, added: “Young donors are critical to the long-term sustainability of Ireland’s blood supply.

“Blood cannot be manufactured — we rely entirely on the generosity of donors. We are asking more young people aged 18–30 to begin their donation journey, and their clubs to encourage them and spread the message.”

Ireland’s Blood Supply Under Pressure

According to the IBTS:

• The average age of an Irish blood donor is 46
• Only 17% of donors are aged 18–30
• IBTS needs to increase this figure to 25% to meet demand
• Only 3% of eligible people give blood
• 1 in 4 people will need a transfusion in their lifetime

GAA clubs in Dublin are invited to sign up as Club Donor Partners here: https://www.giveblood.ie/campaigns/oisin-kelly/

To check eligibility and find your nearest donation clinic visit: www.giveblood.ie