RAMELTON man Kieran Murray has won his third Gold medal at the eighth European Transplant and Dialysis Games in Krakow, Poland.
Speaking to the Donegal News minutes after he got off the podium yesterday (Thursday) having been presented with a gold medal for his success in the 100 metre sprint, Kieran said: “I’m very happy to have won a third gold medal. When I came out here, I never expected to win anything, I would have even been happy with a bronze medal. So, to win three is amazing.”
He also has strong hopes of securing two more gold medals before he returns to Donegal on Sunday in the other disciplines he’s competing in, the 800 metre race and 100 metre relay.
Kidney transplant recipients Hugo Boyce from Clonmany and Kieran Murray are part of the 34 strong Irish Team, which comprises 25 men and 9 women ranging in age from 16 to 76 who travelled to Poland last weekend.
Kieran won a Gold medal in the Golf singles event on Wednesday. Commenting on his second win, Kieran said: “It was absolutely brilliant, I am delighted with the result and proud of my two Gold medals at my first ever Transplant Games. I thank my donor for giving me the chance to compete here in Krakow.”
On Sunday, Kieran a newcomer to Transplant Team Ireland, got off to a great start on the first day of the European Transplant and Dialysis Games in Krakow by securing a Gold in the 5km race.
Kieran was delighted with his success and said: “My time is a personal best for me. I exceeded my own expectations.”
A spokesperson for Team Ireland told the Donegal News that Kieran’s achievements are more than remarkable.
“Kieran is a fantastic performer in the team. There is no one else that’s achieved the number of gold medals that he has, and still has the opportunity of securing two more,” said Gwen O’Donoghue.
Fellow Donegal man Hugo Boyce also put in a good performance at the Games on Sunday in the Petanque singles and doubles events.
The Games conclude today (Friday) with a Gala Dinner being held in the Wieliczka Salt Mine on Saturday before the competitors travel back to Donegal.
Kieran Murray had a kidney transplant in Summer 2012 and he was competing in the 30-39 years age category in the following events: Golf, Mini Marathon 5km, Track 1500m, Track 4 x 100m Relay; Track 800m and Ball Throw.
He is married with two children and is a keen sports enthusiast, spending a lot of time running and playing golf.
Hugo Boyce received a kidney transplant 26 years ago and took part in the 60-69 years age category in the following events: Petanque singles and doubles and bowling singles and doubles.
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