A BRAVE transplant patient needs a lifesaving kidney but she has vowed that won’t stop her at the European Transplant Games.
Mum-of-four Louise McDevitt-Farrelly, from Donegal, has been on dialysis since April 2025.
She is one of 25 athletes with Team Ireland at the Games, which are scheduled to start in Holland this Sunday, June 21.
Louise is waiting for a transplant and hopes it will give her more time for her loved ones, for them to make memories, for her to live her life.
She said: “I love hearing stories of life after transplantation. Seeing what is possible gives me hope for the future and reminds me of the life-changing impact of organ donation.
“Organ donation offers hope to people like me and has the power to transform lives.
“We all long for more time with our loved ones, more memories to make, and more life to live.”
Donegal woman Louise McDevitt-Farrelly is due to compete at the European Transplant Games 2026.
MORE MEMORIES TO MAKE
Louise added: “Since starting dialysis there have been ups and downs, but overall I feel fortunate in my journey so far.
“Maintaining a consistent exercise routine and learning when my body needs rest versus when it benefits from movement has been one of the biggest challenges.
“The Games have given me the goals and structure I needed to build a regular exercise habit, along with the confidence to keep going even on the difficult days.
“It has improved my fitness, my mindset, and given me something positive to work towards.
“I feel lucky to be well enough to train and work towards competing in the Games.”
Team Ireland goes to Holland for the Games this weekend.
While Louise waits for a transplant, she enjoys spending time with her family, learning to play guitar, baking and keeping up with current affairs.
She said: “By saying yes to organ donation, you have the power to give someone that chance.
“To someone like me, sitting in a waiting room and patiently waiting for life to resume, that decision could mean everything.
“Organ donation is more than a medical procedure — it is hope, time and the opportunity for a future that might not otherwise be possible.”
A spokesperson for national governing body Transplant Sport Ireland (TSI) said: “Team Ireland is to go for gold at the European Transplant Games
“Louise is originally from Donegal and now living in Cavan with her husband and four children.
“She will proudly represent Ireland at the European Transplant Games in Arnhem, Netherlands.
“This will be Louise’s first time representing Team Ireland at an international Transplant Games.
The TSI spokesperson added: “Louise will proudly represent Donegal, Cavan, her family, the dialysis community and everyone waiting for the life-changing call that transplantation can bring.
“The Games, which take place to June 27, will bring together more than 1,000 athletes from across Europe.”
You can follow Team Ireland’s progress on Transplant Sport Ireland’s social media platforms.