Young Cavan man laces up for kidney charity

- Róisín McManus -

James Reilly from Cavan Town will take on the Irish Life Dublin Marathon this weekend in aid of the Irish Kidney Association, following his diagnosis with a chronic kidney disease condition as a teenager.

A trainee accountant in Xeinadin, the marathon is not only about completing 26.2 miles for James, it is an opportunity to give back to a charity that supports people living with kidney disease, and their families, while raising awareness of the condition he was diagnosed with at just 17 years.

As a fifth year student in St Pat’s, James, believing he had a bad case of strep throat, was brought to hospital in December 2018. He spent more than a fortnight undergoing a series of tests before learning he had a rare chronic kidney disease called IgA nephropathy, which occurs when a protein called IgA builds up in the kidneys, causing inflammation which can, over time, affect how well the kidneys function.

“It was a huge shock, for me and my parents, and we had never heard of the condition before, nor had any other family members suffered with kidney disease,” the Killygarry clubman recalls.

While there is currently no cure, the now 24 year old has learned how important it is to protect his kidney health and manage the disease, for which the only treatment is dialysis or a transplant.

James’ diagnosis has brought a number of changes to his everyday life. He pays close attention to his diet, particularly his salt intake, which can increase blood pressure. He also takes medication daily and regularly monitors his blood pressure.

Every six months he attends appointments with his nephrologist (kidney specialist) at Cavan General, where his kidney function is monitored.

Thankfully, his condition has remained stable.

Following doctor’s advice to lose some weight, James started going to the gym and, having ran for many years previously, began running once again in early 2025. The sport is “great” for his head, and he feels a real sense of accomplishment finishing long runs.

Alongside his girlfriend Megan Reilly, James completed the Ibiza half marathon this year, and, since July, has prepared for the Dublin Marathon.

Megan, James’ friends and family have been great encouragement, including parents Ann and Paul and younger siblings, twins Joanne and Patrick.

While completing the marathon will represent a personal achievement, James hopes his fundraising will make an even greater difference. Having benefited from the support of the Irish Kidney Association, he now hopes to give back to the charity.

He also wants more research into IgA nephropathy.

“I’m a bit in the dark as to what it will hold for me in twenty years’ time or when I’m 60 or 70,” James said, adding that kidney disease can often be “hidden”.

“When I told a lot of people I was doing it for the Irish Kidney Association, they’d ask me why,” says James. “A lot of people still actually didn’t realise I had an underlying kidney disease. If sharing my story helps raise awareness of chronic kidney disease including my condition or encourages people to ask their GP to check their kidney health, with a simple blood or urine test, then it’s worth it.”

To support James’ fundraiser, donate to www.eventmaster.ie/fundraising/pages/JR99982829