**** NO REPRODUCTION FEE *** DUBLIN : 26/07/2013 : Brave athletes Durban bound for World Transplant Games. Pictured (l-r) at pre-departure event Clarion Hotel, Dublin Airport were the oldest and youngest members of Transplant Team Ireland transplant Oisin O’Gorman from Lismore, Co. Waterford (age 12 and kidney transplant recipient) with Charlie Ryan from Cobh, Co. Cork (liver transplant recipient). 24 transplant recipients who flew out from Dublin airport today to represent Ireland at the 19th World Transplant Games in Durban, South Africa which will take place from July 28th until August 4th. The Irish team which includes,10 women and range in age from 12 to 68, have all received organ transplants including kidney, pancreas, liver, and heart. Seven of the kidney recipients received their transplant from living donors. Two of the younger members of the team completed their Junior and Leaving Cert. exams earlier this summer. Over 1000 athletes from 50 countries will participate in the 19th World Transplant Games which are a celebration of life and the strength and generosity of human spirit. The Games include a broad range of events including Track & Field, road races, cycling, swimming, golf, tennis, table-tennis, badminton, squash, lawn bowls, petanque and Tenpin Bowling. The Irish Kidney Association is responsible for managing Transplant Team Ireland’s participation at the Games. Picture Conor McCabe Photography.

MEDIA CONTACT : For further information contact: Gwen O’Donoghue, Publicity Co-ordinator, Transplant Team Ireland Mob. 086 8241447 or Colin White, National Projects Manager (IKA) and Ireland Team Manager, also World Transplant Games Federation Councillor Tel. 01 6205306 Mob. 087 6843644 orHarry Ward, Team Captain, Mob. 085 2137512