Ireland's second longest surviving kidney transplant patient celebrates birthday in Limerick

The only card a Castleconnell woman wanted at her anniversary party was an organ donor card.

Noreen FitzGerald celebrated 40 years since her kidney transplant operation with family and friends at Bradshaw's Bar on Saturday. Proud daughter Margaret said her mother was Ireland's second longest surviving kidney transplant patient.

Noreen, now 69, was 25 when she was diagnosed with double kidney failure. She was a young mother to three children, Margaret, Majella and Peter, aged between four and six, and had to undergo dialysis.

Amazingly, Noreen's eldest daughter, Margaret, was trained to administer dialysis to her mother at just six years old. This training continued for three years until 1979 when she found a kidney transplant.

“It was a great success and Noreen has had healthy kidneys ever since. However, there was a sad event – a young man, aged 19, lost his life which was a great loss for the family. However, thanks to him being an organ donor, Noreen has been able to live a healthy life since 1979,” said Margaret. She and her husband, David, are members of Buachail Dana cycling club.

“We recognise the seriousness of road accidents and the importance of organ donors, and it's also so important that all families are aware of the fact that their loved one who has passed away was an organ donor. Our family is extremely grateful that my mother is still with us after 40 years and we would like to thank this young person's family for giving Noreen a chance,” Margaret said.

Noreen is originally from Cork but moved to Limerick, fell in love with Michael and they married in March 1970. She has lived at St Patrick Villa for 48 years.

Among the more than 50 family and friends invited was one special guest: Tara Madigan, 12, from Castleconnell, who underwent a liver transplant in 2012 and, like Noreen, was successful.

“It was great to have Tara and Pat O'Brien from the Limerick branch of the Irish Kidney Association come that night,” said Margaret, whose mother had really enjoyed the party at Bradshaw's and had stressed the importance of carrying an organ donor card.

Photos from the event can be seen in the print edition of the Limerick Leader, in stores now.