Published: Friday, 27th August, 2010 2:00pm

Geashill native represents Ireland in European Transplant Games

Declan O'Doherty, a native of Kilcavan, Geashill, Tullamore and now living in Loughrea, was a member of the Irish team which participated in the 6th European Transplant & Dialysis Games which were held in Ireland for the first time recently.

Declan underwent a double lung transplant 10 years ago and he participated in the 5k road race at the Games. Although he didn't secure a medal, Declan said "just to be able to participate and represent my country is amazing".

Although Ireland had its largest ever haul of medals overall at the Games, they were pipped to the post for first position by Hungary who secured the most gold.

With its best performance ever, Ireland secured the largest haul of medals overall at the Games with an impressive 116 medals including 40 gold, 35 silver and 41 bronze. But the table is decided on gold medals, and Hungary finished in the top slot with 45 gold, 31 silver, and 33 bronze, making a total of 109 medals. Germany were third with 37 gold medals.

Good weather prevailed and large crowds attended the Games, the largest organ donor awareness event to take place in Europe this year. The unique Games brought over 350 brave athletes from 24 European countries together to celebrate the 'gift of life'.

The biennial event was hailed as an outstanding success both on an off the sporting field as all those taking part were united in sharing a common and poignant bond. They all had suffered organ failure and many were embracing a second chance at life, while honouring their organ donors through sport.

Ireland team captain, Mike Dwyer said: "We are very pleased to have retained our position in the top three on the medals table against the unstoppable Hungary and Germany. We finished third at the previous European Games in Wuzburg, Germany, in 2008. However, it's not just about winning medals here - every athlete taking part is a winner.

"There is a huge sense of comradeship throughout the Games and we look forward to renewing friendships when we travel to Zagreb, Croatia, when it hosts the 7th European Games in 2012."

Colin White, chairman of the Games Organising Committee, said: "We were delighted to play host to this historic event, which took over two years planning. It was a major logistical undertaking, particularly as we had athletes who required dialysis while they are here in Dublin.

"The Games' success can be attributed to the support of national governing bodies, our sponsors, to staff and members of the Irish Kidney Association for their organisation and fundraising for the games, and the selfless work of so many dedicated volunteers.

"We hope the legacy of these Games will reinforce the importance of organ donation and the significant role that sport plays, both psychologically and physically, in maintaining a healthy lifestyle."