Former Kill Resident to Represent Ireland at British Transplant Games

Thursday, 6 August 2026 16:20

By Tara Flanagan

Married father of three, Kevin Rooney is among 20 athletes competing this weekend

A former Kill resident will represent Ireland at the British Transplant Games, which get underway in Sheffield today.

Kevin Rooney, originally from Newcastle, Co. Dublin, is among 20 athletes selected to compete for Transplant Sport Ireland at the four-day event.

The Irish team includes 14 transplant recipients, three under-18 athletes and one living donor. More than 1,000 transplanted athletes from across the UK are expected to compete in 26 sports, including athletics, swimming, football, cycling and badminton.

The Games celebrate transplant recipients, living donors and donor families, and come just weeks after Transplant Sport Ireland won 16 gold, seven silver and five bronze medals at the European Transplant Games.

Kevin, a married father of three, underwent a bone marrow transplant in 2010 and will compete in the football tournament.

Before becoming ill, he led an active lifestyle, playing rugby and training for marathons. Following his diagnosis, he faced a difficult recovery and was given just a 10 per cent chance of survival.

He says his journey is a reminder of the life-changing impact of joining the bone marrow donor register and hopes sharing his story will encourage more people to consider becoming donors.

Speaking on Kildare Today, Kevin shared his bone marrow transplant story and the positive impact its has had on his life. Listen to the full interview here: