written by Sarah May

22 August 2012

Day five in Zagreb at the European Transplant & Dialysis Games and the Irish Team are still going strong. Bowling kicked off this morning at 8am but the early hour didn’t prevent Team Ireland from giving it socks. The day begun with doubles teams of Linda Waters and Alison Honner, Harry Ward and Owen Kelleher, and Paul Prendergast with John McAleer.

All doubles teams played extremely well despite stiff competition and an excellent day was had all round. The afternoon brought the singles competition. Transplant team Ireland members James Reynolds, Alison Honner, Linda Waters, Lenny Ryan, Niall McAuliffe, Harry Ward, Shane Lafferty, Owen Kelleher, Declan Guing, Paul Predergast, Charlie Ryan and Maura O’Sullivan all competed in this event. Some fantastic scores were reached , with many competitors exceeding their personal bests.

Laois lady Alison Honner achieved success today securing Silver in the 18-29 category Bowling . Alison is on CAPD dialysis and it is her first time competing at the games. Alison commented today that; “I am loving my Games experience.” This was not Alison’s first victory of the Games, having secured bronze in the ladies singles badminton yesterday in the 18-29 category. Alison had further success today when, her and doubles partner; Linda Waters secured Gold in their category. Linda is a kidney and pancreas recipient from Athenry, and shall be competing in the Petanque singles and Discus during the week. Shane Lafferty also played a fantastic game today coming fourth in his category.

The 3km mini-marathon shall take place this evening. Team Ireland members Sheila Gregan and Anne Marie Lankester shall compete.
The 7th European Transplant & Dialysis Games run from 18th to the 25th of August here in Zagreb. Team Ireland consists of 26 competitors, 17men and 9 women ranging in age from 18-74. All competitors have received transplants of Kidney, Pancreas, Liver, Lungs, heart or are on dialysis. The Irish Kidney Association are responsible for managing Transplant Team Ireland’s participation in the Games.

For an organ donor card freetext the word DONOR to 50050 or visit http://www.ika.ie It is now possible to download an organ donor card on smartphones by searching for ‘Organ Donor Ecard’ at the iphone store or android market place.