Ex-Derry GAA star’s transplant op fails
A transplant operation that saw former gaelic football star Joe Brolly donate a kidney to a friend has failed, a health trust has confirmed.
The organ that was transplanted into Belfast PR executive Shane Finnegan earlier this month stopped working and was removed in a London hospital on Friday.
Derry all-Ireland winner Brolly, 42, and Mr Finnegan, 40, know each other from coaching an under-10s team at St Brigid’s gaelic club in Belfast.
The Belfast Health Trust, which manages both men’s care, said the kidney had initially worked well before problems developed.
“We can confirm that Mr Brolly is recovering very well having donated his kidney on October 3rd,” said a trust spokeswoman. “However, sadly after initially functioning well, there were complications with the transplant and the kidney had to be removed on October 12th.”
Two-time all-star Brolly was lauded for his altruism after the gesture. Now a barrister and TV sports pundit, he had approached Mr Finnegan when he heard he needed a live donor.
Father of three Mr Finnegan, 40, has suffered from kidney problems for 20 years. This is the third transplant that has failed.
“This is a rare and unfortunate occurrence after kidney transplantation, and whilst both families are naturally devastated, they are hugely encouraged by the massive wave of goodwill and support from the community and the resultant increased public awareness of the critical importance of organ donation,” the spokeswoman added.
“Mr Finnegan is confident that with the continued support of family and friends he will be home soon and able to resume a full family and work life.
“Both Shane and Joe are very keen to support the trust’s campaign for organ donation and when fit and ready have agreed to spearhead a drive to increase the number of donors. For both men and their families, this has been a life affirming experience.”
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Saturday 25 May 2013
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