The Irish peasant received the kidneys from his goddess 32 years after his first transplant – and he said, “her generosity is beyond words.”
Once Organ Donor Awareness Week is over, Michael Fennessy explained that a second kidney transplant from his daughter, Katie Dogen, saved his life.
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Michael, a farmer at Cahill in Tipperary, was transplanted at Beaumont Hospital last December.
Katie, now in her 30s, was a flower girl at the wedding of Michael and his wife Carmel 30 years ago, but this was mostly postponed due to his first kidney transplant.
At the time, Michael was 27 years old and suffered from serious health issues when he received a call a few days before his wedding, where he donated his kidneys from a deceased donor.
He said: “I was 27 when I got my first transplant.
“At the time I was really struggling with my health. Carmel and I set a date for my wedding. An invitation was issued, but my health was declining.
“Then I called from Blue saying that the deceased donor kidney was available. This was six days before we got married.”
The pair eventually tied the knot with a new sense of gratitude – and his goddess Katie had her moment, as the Flower Girl had planned.
For many years, Michael and Katie remained nearby and she was not shyed to be tested as a potential living donor when his kidneys began to fade again decades later.
Michael said:
“When she offered to test, I was deeply moved. It's not something you took for granted.”
She was one of several families, including her siblings and Michael's children, who advanced during the screening process.
In the Test, it was Katie who proved it to be the best match, and her decision to donate gave Michael a chance of life again.
Michael continued: “Her generosity is beyond words. I cannot thank her enough.”
Michael and Carmel currently have three adult children, who have always honored the anniversary of his first transplant with mass and family gatherings.
New chapter
Just a few months after donating her kidneys, Katie moved to America to begin a new chapter in her public service career.
And although she left Ireland, Michael said her incredible love and generosity remained part of her legacy.
He added: “I was given a second chance again.
“Getting 32 years from the first kidneys was a blessing from the deceased donor family.
“And now, I'll be grateful for Katie for another opportunity to give me a new health situation.”
Organ Donor Awareness Week
Organ Donor Awareness Week, which runs through May 17th, is a campaign led by Ireland's Kidney Association and Irish Transplants for Organ Donation, which will encourage more conversations about organ donation.
In 2024, 263 organ transplants that occurred in Ireland were made possible by 84 deceased donors and 30 live kidney donors.
Among these were 175 kidney transplants, 53 liver transplants, 16 heart transplants, 15 lung transplants, and four pancreatic transplants.
There are still 676 people waiting to save lives in Ireland, of which over 500 need kidneys.
To help with organ donation, the Irish Kidney Association said you can start by talking to your loved one and letting them know your wishes.
You can also request a free organ donor card from their website www.ika.ie/donorweek/ Alternatively, check the yes box (code 115) when renewing your driver's license.
- Click to order an organ donor card here
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