THROUGH Askeaton’s Robert Sheahan and Cappamore native Trevor Lynch, Limerick will be represented at the European Transplant Games in Holland this weekend.
Born with Cystic Fibrosis, Sheahan faced significant health challenges from an early age. In 2019, he became part of Irish medical history when he received the country’s first simultaneous double lung and liver transplant.
“Convincing the medical team I was the right candidate for the first-of-its-kind surgery performed in Ireland, and now representing my country, is something I’m incredibly proud of,” he stated.
The groundbreaking surgery gave him a second chance at life and opened the door to opportunities that once seemed impossible.
What began as a determination to simply feel healthier has grown into something much bigger:
“It started with trying to feel better and become healthy, but it has now become a motivation to succeed and honour the gift that was given to me,” said Sheahan.
Robert will celebrate his 36th birthday on the day he competes in the swimming events in Arnhem.
Originally from Cappamore, Trevor Lynch has lived in various parts of the world, including the USA and France, and now in Buckinghamshire, England, with his wife Sue and their children, Aishling and Kieran.
He received bone marrow transplants in 2014 and ‘16.
“I am so grateful to my donor for saving my life and thank him every day I wake up,” Lynch said.
“Competing in the transplant games gives me motivation to remain fit all year round. In turn, being fit helps my mental and physical wellness. As an added bonus, Transplant Sport Ireland (TSI) is such a wonderful team to be part of.”
An aim of the Games is to encourage transplant recipients and dialysis patients to lead an active lifestyle, thereby celebrating the gift of life through sport. It is also dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of organ donation and continuing to remember and appreciate organ donors and their families.