Kilkenny native is one of the longest-surviving transplant recipients in Ireland

Forty-five years ago, Bernie Glynn, a native of Kilmanagh in County Kilkenny, received the precious gift of a deceased donor kidney transplant at Jervis Street.

Bernie’s donor kidney came from an 18-year-old girl from the UK.

Bernie (76) had been living in Dublin and was newly wed to Albert when she experienced organ failure.

As Bernie reflected on the 45th anniversary of this life-altering surgery, which brought to an end three years of dialysis treatment, she remembered with profound gratitude and appreciation to her young donor, a lifeline that has sustained her 45 years.

She also remembered her beloved husband Albert, who passed away 5 years ago.

She recalls what a wonderful husband he was as they were only newlyweds when her kidney disease took hold.

"We were not long married when I got sick," she said.

"Albert trained with me on how to manage my dialysis treatment which I received three times a week for five hours at a time in our cottage in Dublin 7. Back then dialysis machines were enormous.

"My dialysis treatment didn’t work well for me, I was very sick and weak, barely able to walk, and had to give up my phlebotomy job at Cappagh Hospital.

"Despite the seriousness of my condition, when my consultant Dr Carmody told me I would need a transplant I was in disbelief.

"Not knowing anyone who ever had a transplant, it really didn’t occur to me that it might be a possibility, it seemed like science fiction back then.

"I was 31 when I got called for the transplant. It was the turning point in my life and I haven’t looked back since.

"Nine months after my transplant I got my old job back at the Cappagh Hospital where I worked until I retired at 60 and then in 2008 myself and Albert moved back to live in Albert’s native Galway.

"Although we weren’t blessed with children my transplant allowed us to enjoy a fulfilling and happy life together until Albert passed away in 2019.

"It was only recently that I had one major health setback when I had to have a lobectomy for cancer in 2018. But I recovered very quickly and so also did my donor kidney which is still going strong."

Soon after they wed, Albert’s devotion to his ailing wife Bernie was the inspiration for him, along with a few other people touched by kidney failure, to establish a kidney patients’ support group, the Irish Kidney Association.

It was inaugurated in 1978, and in the same year it introduced the kidney donor card which has evolved into the multi organ donor card.

"I am filled with gratitude to the family of my donor for their selfless generosity knowing my donor was just 18-years-old when she passed," Bernie said.

"It must have been heartbreaking for them to lose her. She and they are always in my thoughts.

"There were so many great medical and nursing people who looked after me all those years ago including Dr Carmody and my transplant surgeon Mr. Hanson, both of whom have passed away.

"I want to thank Prof Peter Conlon and the team at Beaumont Hospital where I attended my bi-annual clinics until I moved to Galway.

"I am now under the excellent care of Prof Reddan in Galway. The IKA, who through their wonderful work in supporting kidney patients and their families, continue to honour my late husband Albert’s vision."

Bernie's transplant success story of resilience and gratitude inspires those facing organ failure and their families, while comforting donors' families, knowing their legacy endures in others.

Making a surprise recent visit to Bernie’s home to present her with flowers (pictured above) on behalf of the Irish Kidney Association, was Ruth McGann, who underwent a transplant from her living donor brother Gary McGann ten years ago.

Organ Donor Awareness Week 2024 is currently taking place (April 20-27) and is organised by the Irish Kidney Association (IKA) in association with the HSE’s Organ Donation Transplant Ireland. 

The IKA are asking the public to use Organ Donor Awareness Week as a prompt to have a family discussion about organ donation.

Even after the new legislation commences, consent for organ retrieval will continue to be sought from the families of all potential organ donors.

By sharing your wishes when you are in good health you are helping your family to act on your behalf in the event of you being a potential organ donor.

By requesting an organ donor card (www.ika.ie/donorcard), you are letting the 600+ people, and their families, who are currently waiting for ‘the call’ that there are people out there who are thinking of them.

With approximately only 1% of deaths occurring in the circumstances of potential organ donation, we cannot afford to miss any opportunities because a person’s wishes are unknown.

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