Proving age is no barrier to embracing the gift of life, Charlie is in his seventies and is a liver transplant recipient from Cobh, Co Cork.

He will be competing at this year’s World Transplant Games in the 70-79 years category in the following events:

• Darts Singles
• Darts Triples
• Petanque Singles
• Petanque Doubles (partnering with Finian Farrell)
• Ten Pin Bowling Doubles (partnering with Paul Prendergast)

One year after receiving his liver transplant at St. Vincent’s University Hospital in Dublin in August 2007, he represented his country for the first time at the biennial European Games held in Wurzburg, Germany in 2008. He has taken part in many World Transplant Games and European Championships and has accumulated an impressive medals haul in Darts and Petanque.

Charlie is a retired ferryboat skipper and used to work with Marine Transport Services in Cobh and his work included transporting prisoners to and from Spike Island prior to its closure.

Charlie says, “I look forward to taking part in the Transplant Games every year and this year is no exception and it would be nice to bring home a Gold medal again. The Transplant Games keep me active and motivated. I enjoy being part of the extended family that is Transplant Team Ireland and I have made lots transplant recipient friends who I have met from around the world. I wouldn’t be here today were it not for my donor and their family and taking part in Transplant Sport is my way of honouring and expressing my gratitude to them.”