Irish athlete pays tribute to donor after gold at Transplant Games
Ireland's first liver transplant recipient has now won a total of four medals at the World Transplant Games in South Africa.
Carlow man Tony Gartland, 50, secured GOLD in the 5,000m Racewalk event, and Bronze in the 800m race today.
This brings his total medal tally to four - including one gold, one silver and two bronze.
Gartland underwent a liver transplant 20 years ago at St Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin.
This afternoon, he paid tribute to the hospital - and his donor.
"Yes, I was the first, at St Vincent's Hospital, in Ireland, 20 years ago," he said.
"I can't believe I'm still alive and kicking after all those years, and without their skill and dedication, I wouldn't be alive today.
"I'd also like to acknowledge my donor and his family. I don't know who they are, but they're out there somewhere, and without them I wouldn't be alive, never mind taking part in the Transplant Games in South Africa."
