Transplant Team Ireland will send a team of 20 athletes to the British Transplant Games to be held in Sheffield from August 6-9th.
The team has 14 transplanted athletes, 3 Under 18 athletes and one living donor participating in the event, which will host organ and stem cell transplant recipients from all over the UK.
The total participants expected is over 2,500 with over 1000 transplanted athletes participating in 26 disciplines including athletics, swimming, football, archery, badminton, table tennis, cycling, darts, snooker, and more.
These Games come shortly after the European transplant Games, where Transplant Sport Ireland won an astonishing 16 GOLD, 7 SILVER and 5 BRONZE medals.
By taking part and paying tribute to their donors, these remarkable athletes showcase the life-changing impact of organ donation in the most inspiring and powerful way imaginable.
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FULL TEAM AND EVENTS
Anna Pokojska (Kerry) – Cycling, Walk, Pétanque
Fergus Burke – (Dublin) Football
Glen Clinton – (Dublin) Bowling, Darts, Football, Tennis
J.P. O’Neill – (Kilkenny & Kildare) Squash, Golf, Football, Relay
Karol Donnelly – (Mayo) Archery, Ten Pin Bowling
Kevin Rooney – (Dublin) Football
Mark Moore – (Wicklow) Football, Darts
Mark Mullhall – (Dublin) Golf, Darts, Swimming
Mike Keohane–(Cork) 5k Walk, Javelin, Shot Put, Discus, Donor R
Noel Marsden – (Westmeath & Kerry) Table Tennis, Swimming, Pétanque
Patrick O’Driscoll – (Cork) Basketball, Golf, Football, Netball, Donor Run
Peter O’Reilly – (Dublin) Bowling, Road Race, 400m, 800m
Shane Riordan – (Dublin) Football
Tim Lyons – (Dublin) Football, Relay, Long Jump
Trevor Lynch – (Limerick & UK) Road Race, 1500m, 800m
Val Weblin – (Cork) Bowling, Darts, Snooker, Football
U18 Team – Callum Cooney (Donegal) – Swimming, Obstacle Race
U18 Team – Donnacha Horan (Roscommon)– Long Jump, Obstacle Race, Sprint, Run
U18 Team – Laura McDowell – (Dublin) Tennis, Road Race, Long Jump, 200m
Living Donor – Deirdre O’Gorman (Dublin) – Road Race, Swim
Karol Donnelly from Ballina, Co. Mayo will proudly represent Transplant Sport Ireland at the British Transplant Games 2026 in Sheffield, competing in Archery and ten pin bowling.
An environmental scientist, musician and water sports enthusiast, Karol is a founding member and Secretary of the Liver Ireland Support Network (LISN). She plays clarinet in a local orchestra and band, paddles and helms with Gráine Mhaol Dragon Boat Club in Castlebar, and enjoys yoga, reading and spending time in nature. She is supported by Mum and Dad, her two sisters, her canine companion, Scamper and wonderful friends. Karol also gets great help and support from Archery Coach Brendan McHugh.
Karol’s transplant journey spans almost two decades and has seen her receive not one, but two life-saving liver transplants.
Her first transplant came in 2006 following a sudden and unexpected illness.
“I felt a little unwell for a few days and arrived at St Vincent’s University Hospital with a diagnosis of a hepatic vein blockage. Within days I had a super urgent liver transplant.”
While the transplant saved her life, recovery was far from straightforward.
“Life post-transplant was tough, both physically and emotionally, but with time and support I regained my independence and strength.”
Karol remained well for more than eight years before another serious setback. In 2014, a clot was discovered in her hepatic artery, eventually leading to a second liver transplant in 2017.
“My life was preserved twice by organ donation; by two brave and inspirational people who made a hugely difficult and painful decision to donate their loved ones’ organs at an incredibly tough time. I’m in awe of my donors’ families.”
