Great performances come out of the ability and commitment of the individual concerned but they are inspired by the support of others.

In the build up to our departure for the Championships in Krakow, we received support from so many quarters.

Senator David Norris, a recent liver transplant recipient said;

‘For those of you who have been through the transplant process and those still waiting I am sure you will all agree that we owe a great debt to those who volunteered to donate their organs so that we might live. For some the decision was made during a time of great grief and of others great hope for success of their donors, particularly if it was a family member. It is with great pride that I wish you all the very best for your undoubted success. You all have to be both congratulated and praised for your achievements to date. I have no doubt that many of you will return home in great glory festooned in medals!’

Minsiter for Health, Leo Varadkar TD, sent us a letter of support in which he said, ‘Your participation at the Championships is truly an inspiration to those who are currently undergoing kidney dialysis or who are waiting in hope for other organs.’  click here to read the full letter from the Minister.

We also had messages of support from sporting greats such as Ruby Walsh and Paul McGinley and we all remember Jim Gavin’s wise words; ‘Be the best that you can be…’

Aside from these public shows of support, there are the family and friends and the media who are also showing support for our achievements in Poland this week.  I look forward to reading all the newspapers articles that have been written and will be written.  All of us on the team look forward to catching up with all the messages of support, etc.

Never far from our minds are organ donors and donor families – the vital link in the chain that gives people a second chance. A chance to be the best that they can be and to make a difference in the world.

We are all familiar with the phrase, “If I have seen further, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants.”  All the support we have received around our involvement in this year’s European Transplant & Dialysis Sports Championships has been inspiring and has helped push the team to achieve third place overall on the medals table (18 gold, 18 silver and 31 bronze).

We are all extremely appreciative of the support and we are looking forward to sharing all our stories when we get home.

Colin

Team Manager