Killinkere GFC call for transplant conversation

The value of community has never been more apparent than in the last 20 weeks. The lockdown may have been about isolation, but the role of the GAA in diminishing loneliness in local communities has not been decreased.

One Cavan club gave a good example of the power of coming together, even when apart. Killinkere GFC put out a simple call:

Martin McGovern says the call was really about starting a conversation about organ donation. The club member mentioned on the Killinkere GFC Facebook page is Martin's brother, Paddy.

“Paddy was in hospital for the last few weeks,” Martin tells. “He knew for a while he would need a liver transplant. Initially he was told it would happen in the next 15 to 20 years, more recently they said it could be in the next five years. Since Christmas he was having issues and he was hospitalised.”

The rapid decline had to be medically addressed: “They told him four weeks ago 'you are now an urgent case'. His liver had deteriorated to such an extent that he was moved up to the top of the donation list. Last week he had that transplant.”

For Martin the importance of organ donation was hammered home when Paddy was told he was in critical need of a liver transplant. Paddy suggested the club promote the idea of organ donation so that others who find themselves in a similar situation can be thrown a lifeline.

Martin explained that the drive is to raise awareness about a decision to make an act of generosity that gives the gift of life. By getting a donor card you are saving a life: “Organ failure is a devastating event in the lives of people. It occurs without regard for either age or circumstance. Young parents, children, the old or the young, will face this challenge. For many, organ donation can be the means to regain normal life and for others it is a matter of life or death,” Martin says.

He believes that many people receptive to the idea don't communicate this decision to next of kin: “It's a conversation that should be had now, as opposed to at someone's bedside at a very traumatic time. We urge people to have the discussion now. Loads of families that know Paddy have had the discussion since and have got their donation cards because they know someone who has benefited.”

The online call has been taken up by other clubs: “A couple of other local GAA clubs have shared the Facebook post and Cavan GAA put it up yesterday. There was a huge reaction in our own area. A lot of people were talking about it. It's something people know is important, but don't really have a conversation about it.”

Martin says Paddy's situation is replicated every day: “It's happening all over the country. Someone is always waiting for some organ. Unfortunately people pass away and their next of kin are unaware that the deceased wanted to be an organ donor. It can make a huge difference to people waiting for a transplant if that conversation was had in advance.”

If you would like to be an organ donor discuss it with your family or freetext DONOR to 50050, you can also lo call 1890 543639 or contact Freepost, Donor House, Irish Kidney Association, Park West, Dublin 12. You can also request a donor card by email: donor@ika.ie , at your local pharmacy or by signing the back of your driving licence to indicate your wishes.