Transplant athletes are aiming to reign in Spain 

A NUMBER of locals will be travelling to Malaga this week to take part in the World Transplant Games.

Athletes will compete in their respective age categories in the following events: badminton, cycling, darts, golf, petanque, squash, swimming, table tennis, ten pin bowling, tennis, mini-marathon, and track and field, from June 25 to July 2.

Harry Ward (Baldoyle), Paul Prendergast, Santry, Anthony Byrne (Artane), Peter Heffernan (Skerries), Ron Grainger (Castleknock) and Aoife Murray (Clonsilla) are the six Northsiders members of Transplant Team Ireland which comprises 28 athletes in total.

Dr Claire Kennedy, who lives in Clontarf and works in the Transplantation Department at Beaumont Hospital, will travel with the team, which will once again be managed by Colin White, from Balbriggan.

Team captain Harry Ward has represented Ireland at numerous international games events both as a dialysis patient and in more recent years as a transplant recipient thanks to his kidney transplant which he received in 2007.

Colin White, who is also the National Projects Manager of the Irish Kidney Association, said: “This year the World Transplant Games Federation is celebrating 30 years and we can be proud of the tradition that our team has in the competition.

“Our team is known for its sense of fair play as well as its sense of fun with both underpinned by a steely competitive edge. 

“Our athletes are coming from across the country and their dedication and commitment is not only to their training, in practical terms, they also fund the vast majority of the costs involved. 

“Their motivation is driven by a determination to be Fit for Life, to show other ‘patients’ what can be achieved post-transplant and to encourage the general public to have a family discussion about organ donation.”

Kilkenny Hurling All Star Michael Fennelly gave a motivational talk to the team ahead of the World Games last month.