TWO LIMERICK athletes have taken home six medals between them from the recent British Transplant Games.
Trevor Lynch and 17-year old Tara Madigan each brought home three medals in their respective events.
Tara won three gold medals in the long jump, the 5k road race, and the 200 meters.
Meanwhile, Trevor took home two gold medals in the 800 meters and the 1500 meters, as well as a silver medal in the 5k race.
Transplant Sport Ireland sent a team of 31 athletes to the games, with 26 adults, five juniors, and three living donors.
Team Ireland returned with a total haul of 31 medals between them.
There were 16 gold medals, nine silvers, and six bronze medals brought home by Irish athletes from the Games.
Trevor Lynch, originally from Cappamore, now living in the UK with his wife and two children, received bone marrow transplants in 2014 and 2016 as treatment for lymphoma.
Speaking ahead of the Games, Trevor said that competing gives him something to work towards following his donations.
“Taking part in international competitions with Team Ireland is such an important part of my life these days. It provides the motivation to train during the winter months and also helps me maintain a healthy lifestyle and outlook on life.
“I do this to honour my donor and to show that organ donation works,” said Trevor.
Limerick’s other representative was Tara, a Castleconnell native, underwent a liver transplant in 2012.
Tara said before the Games that her aim at the competition was to “show anyone in my position what life can be like after transplant,” she said. “Life can be good.”
Tara is a great-grandaughter of late Limerick hurling legend Mick Mackey.
Transplant Sport Ireland showcases the success of organ donation and transplantation while offering inspiration to those who are newly transplanted or newly diagnosed with organ failure.
Team Ireland athletes have one shared purpose, to highlight the success of organ donation.
