THE IRISH Kidney Association expects a record year for organ transplantations, according to chief executive officer Mark Murphy.
“This is going to be a good year,” said Mr Murphy, who is in Berlin to attend a congress tomorrow marking the 11th European Day for Organ Donation and Transplantation.
So far there have been 11 heart transplants this year compared to four transplants in 2008. “At the moment we are looking at 124 kidney transplants so far this year,” said Mr Murphy.
In 2008 there were 146 kidney transplants, and the kidney association expects an increase on that figure in 2009.
“One of the disappointments, I suppose, is that Ireland is now in 13th place in Europe for organ donation compared to seventh place in 2007,” said Mr Murphy.
Meanwhile,transplant recipients and their families will be meeting for a picnic in Merrion Square Park tomorrow to mark the European day for organ donation.
Among those celebrating their good health after a transplant will be Seamus Eager, former Shamrock Rovers star of the 1960s and 1970s.
He was among the 11 people who received a heart transplant so far this year.