Wonderful gift of humanity!

This photograph was taken in a London Hospital today as two of St Brigids coaches lives became inextricably linked. For no other reason than Shane Finnegan and Joe Brolly were fellow coaches in the Naomh Brid U10 set-up, Joe donated a kidney.

It was confirmed today that Joe Brolly (42), ex-gaelic player, TV pundit and barrister donated a kidney to Shane Finnegan (40) and the operation took place in Guys Hospital London on Wednesday (3rd Oct) where both Shane and Joe remain under medical supervision. Speaking from there Joe said, “I’m honoured to have been in the position to help Shane. He’s been waiting for a transplant for over six years and when I heard that the only possibility of a one was through a live donor I contacted his medical team. And of course in my considered opinion it’s all going according to plan – and thankfully the doctors concur!

Shane added “Joe’s altruism is overwhelming and of course there are no words to thank him or his family for his wonderful gift. I know it’s early days but I’m so relieved that it’s all going well for both of us so far”.

The boys are both coaches at St Brigid’s GAC where their sons play u10s football.

By Paul Gormley Fri 5th Oct