Donal and Joe: Both doing well
A CO DONEGAL man who donated one if his kidneys to his brother in a successful operation says both of them are “doing well” and hopes it will help other people consider becoming donors.
Donal Ó Cnáimhsí (43) is back home in Gaoth Dobhair after the 12-hour operation in which one of his kidneys was transplanted into his 44-year-old brother Joe.
The operation was the same as that involving Derry GAA star Joe Brolly.
And whilst the RTE pundit’s donation ultimately failed, the O Cnáimhsi transplant has so far worked.
“We’re both out of hospital and we are slowly recovering,” said Donal.
“It’s a major operation so we won’t recover overnight but we are getting there.”
Brother Joe is making regular trips back to the Beaumont Hospital for check-ups and so far doctors are happy with his progress.
“Donal has given me the chance to live again,” said taxi driver Joe.
“Words can’t really describe how I feel.”
The transplant issue has been highlighted recently by Joe Brolly.
Donal told Donegal Daily today that there were arguments for and against the Opt For Life scheme, but he believed highlighting the issue would help families who have lost loved ones seriously consider donating organs for transplant.
But he says unless Health Minister James Reilly funds a proper organ transplant network that includes properly trained nursing staff, then more people will die waiting for an organ.
“What Joe Brolly has done has been incredible. It has really put the issue of organ donation at the top of the political agenda,” said Donal.
“The problem is that Dr Reilly has been asked to put funding in place so there is an actual structure on the ground with properly trained nurses and counsellors dealing with families of donors and potential donors.
“I believe the cost of this would outweigh the massive costs of kidney dialysis. Joe Brolly has pressed him for a decision and it needs to be taken now.”
Donal, a gardener at Glenveagh National Park, hopes to return to work in the Spring.
“I’m missing it,” he said.
“But I’ll have to wait until I’m fit and ready to go back. The operation was a success and that’s the main thing.”