Two athletes from Kilkenny set to represent Ireland at the European Transplant Games

Two athletes from Kilkenny are set to represent Ireland at the European Transplant Games in Arnhem, Holland at the end of the month.

Pat Savage, originally from Kilkenny and now living in Old Leighlin, Carlow, will proudly represent Ireland. John Paul O'Neill, originally from Kilkenny and now living just outside Athy with his partner Tara, will do likewise.

This will be Pat's first time competingat an international Transplant Games, making the occasion even more special for both him and his family. Pat is married to Anne and is a proud father to Oisín (12) and Sam (9). He works with Carlow County Council as Chief Technician across the Roads, Transportation and Corporate Departments.

Pat's transplant journey followed several years of serious kidney illness. He spent two years on dialysis, initially undergoing Peritoneal Dialysis before complications required a move to Haemodialysis. Life before transplant revolved around treatment and illness: "Pre-transplant, I was either receiving dialysis or feeling unwell. My wife held the fort while I was sick."

Everything changed when a close friend made the extraordinary decision to become a living kidney donor. The transplant in 2021 transformed not only Pat's life, but the lives of his entire family: "My donor completely changed my life. Organ donation is truly the Gift of Life. I can now be part of my children's activities, attend games, coach teams and simply be a normal dad again. Post-transplant, my wife got her life back too."

Representing Ireland for the first time is a tremendous honour for Pat: "I'll feel incredibly proud to represent my country at the Transplant Games. I'll also be proud to represent my living donor and his family for the Gift of Life he has given me. It all ties back to promoting organ donation and spreading awareness of its importance."

Pat hopes that sharing both his story and his donor's story will encourage others to consider organ donation: "Giving an organ is a selfless act that gives someone a second chance at life. Hopefully stories like ours can help people overcome some of the fear of the unknown around donation."

Away from training, Pat remains heavily involved in his local community. He coaches athletics, hurling and soccer, while also enjoying music, current affairs and world politics. His sporting inspiration comes from Kilkenny hurling legend TJ Reid: "At 38 years of age, he's still performing at the highest level. That's hugely impressive."

Pat's advice for anyone returning to activity after transplant is both practical and encouraging: "You don't have to train for marathons or win All-Irelands. Any form of exercise is important after transplant.There are clubs, sports partnerships and organisations that can help people of every ability level get started."

Pat's story is also unique because transplantation is part of his family's story. His older brother received a kidney transplant in 2006 after both brothers developed Glomerulonephritis, a disease that caused their kidneys to fail. As he prepares to make his Team Ireland debut in Arnhem, Pat will proudly represent Kilkenny, Carlow, his family, his donor and everyone whose support helped him reach this point.

Through sport, the Irish transplant athletes showcase the power of second chances—demonstrating what can be achieved thanks to the generosity of donors. Every race run, every point scored, and every medal won is a testament to the gift of life and the courage of those who have received it. You can follow their progress on the team’s social medial platforms. For more information about joining TSI, membership details, and updates, visit TransplantSportIreland.ie or email [email protected].

Meanwhile, John Paul comes from a sport-mad family and grew up alongside his sister Marie-Therese in Kilkenny, where sport has always played a major role in family life. His transplant journey began in late 1996 when he started dialysis following kidney failure. In June 1998, he received the life-changing call that would transform his future: "My journey started with dialysis in late 1996 and I was lucky to be transplanted in June 1998. I've never looked back."

The impact of transplantation on his life has been remarkable: "Since my transplant, I have a quality of life that is completely different and I have not spent a day or night in hospital since." Nearly three decades later, John Paul remains deeply grateful to the donor and donor family whose selfless decision made his second chance possible.

One of the achievements he is most proud of is continuing to enjoy excellent health and being able to represent Ireland through Transplant Sport Ireland: "Still feeling so healthy and able to represent TSI thanks to my donor."

For John Paul, transplant sport is about far more than competition. It is an opportunity to honour donors, celebrate life and spend time with people who understand the journey of transplantation: "I love being around people who have amazing life stories and know how lucky we are to be able to represent our donor families."

Transplant Sport Ireland (TSI) celebrates the life-changing impact of organ donation through sport and provides opportunities for athletes to represent Ireland while promoting the importance of organ donation both nationally and internationally. TSI athletes will compete at the week-long Arnhem Games, including athletes on dialysis and a living donor participating in over 14 different disciplines. TSI is the National Governing Body for Transplant Sport in Ireland and brings together transplant recipients, dialysis patients and living donors to participate in sport, fostering a community of resilience, inspiration and camaraderie.