Bryan Duignan and Tony Gartland will participate in the World Transplant Games in Perth next month
Bryan Duignan, a kidney transplant recipient from Palatine, Carlow, and Tony Gartland, a liver transplant recipient from Hacketstown will participate as part of the 14-strong Transplant Team Ireland, (including bone marrow, liver, and kidney transplant recipients) at the World Transplant Games in Perth next month.
The two men and other members of Transplant Team Ireland attended a team gathering in Dublin yesterday to receive their team kit and for an inspirational talk by former Olympian triathlete Gavin Noble.
Name: Tony Gartland
From: Hacketstown, Co. Carlow
Age category: 50-59
Sports:
- Ten Pin Bowling Singles
- 5km Road Race
- 5,000m Race Walk
- 1500m Track
- 800m Track
Tony is celebrating 30 years since his liver transplant and will be forever grateful to his Donor and his family. He was the first person to undergo a liver transplant in Ireland. Tony works as a carpenter and is one of the most experienced members of Transplant Team Ireland having first represented Ireland at the 1995 World Transplant Games in Manchester, England. He has picked up an enormous number of medals across the year and is a highly respected competitor by his peers from across the globe.
Name: Bryan Duignan
From: Carlow, Co. Carlow
Age category: 40-49
Sports:
- Sprint Triathlon
- 10km Cycling Time Trial
- 5km road Race
A Tipperary man, Bryan moved to Carlow for college many years ago and now calls it home. He met his partner there five years ago and she had been doing triathlons for a long time; after watching her do one, Bryan was keen to give it a go himself.
“I did my first in 2021 and haven’t looked back, I was hooked! In 2022 I did as many triathlons as I could register for and loved every one. It was one of my club mates who suggested I participate in the transplant games and from the moment I made contact with Colin (team manager) he was so welcoming and encouraging, I knew I had to give it a try. I will be competing in triathlon, 5km road race and the TT bike race in the 40-49 age category. I am honoured to be able to represent club, country and especially my donor on a world stage with the support of my wonderful family.”
Transplanted in 2006, this will be Bryan’s first time to compete at the World Transplant Games.
