Impressive performances and a bronze medal from Carlow transplant athletes

Two Carlow athletes have competed with pride at the World Transplant Games, with one coming home with a bronze medal. 

The total medals tally for Transplant Team Ireland at the Games was 7 gold, 6 silver and 4 bronze . An impressive performance for a relatively small Irish team of 14! 

The first person to undergo a liver transplant in Ireland 30 years ago at St. Vincent’s University Hospital, Tony Gartland from Hacketstown, Carlow, is not only celebrating the successful longevity of his transplant. The 59-year-old  won a Bronze medal for his stamina in coming third in the 5,000 meters racewalk event.

Triathlon athletes Sheila Gregan and Bryan Duignan

Bryan Duignan from Palatine, Carlow competed in the triathlon event (swim 500m, cycle 20kand 5km run.  He put in a valiant effort and even though he didn’t reach the medals platform Bryan was placed 7th with his time of 1.21.32. Bryan will be returning home to Dublin airport on Thursday with his partner Lara and three young children who have been his biggest fans throughout. 

Tony Gartland described his experience after clenching Bronze success in his final race of the games having also competed in two events earlier in the week he said: “It is 30 years since my transplant and at this stage I am acutely aware of how precious life is. I am very grateful for the last 30 years. Sport has done so much for me over those years. I can never thank my Donor enough. All I can do is live my life to the fullest extent possible. Medals are nice but they are a bonus.”

Ranging in age from 36 right up to 75, the current Transplant Team Ireland panel of 10 inspirational men and 4 women who took part in the World Transplant Games in Perth have all received organ transplants including 2 liver, 2 bone marrow, and 10 kidney. They are among 1,524 participants from 46 countries, all embracing their gift of life and honouring their donors in this celebration of life through sport.

Competition at the Games is by age category and Transplant Team Ireland had representatives  in the following eleven sports: Cycling; Darts; Golf; Lawn Bowls; Pétanque; Road Race; Swimming; Table Tennis; Ten Pin Bowling; Tennis; and Triathlon.

Each of the athletes has funded their participation in the Games (Games registration, flights, accommodation, and meals) through fundraising in the name of the Irish Kidney Association/Transplant Team Ireland, and using their own funds.  The team is proud to wear the Team Kit which, this year, has been sponsored by the Health Services Staffs Credit Union (HSSCU).