Hundreds of people attended an event to promote and approve organ donation in Galway.
The meeting was held at the Circle of Life Garden in Salthill.
The park was designated the National Organ Donor Memorial Garden in 2014.
It serves as a place of remembrance for both donors and transplant patients.
The initiative came about as a result of the efforts of a Connemara family who lost their son in a car accident in 2006.
Airmon Goggin's organs were donated after his death. On what would have been his birthday, his parents Martina and Dennis invited donor families and transplant recipients to join them in celebrating their 10th anniversary.
Among the travelers was Gillian Curtis from County Kildare. She explained how she underwent a heart transplant in 2019 that changed her life.
“Just doing everything, and now doing sports, which I had never done before, it's really amazing and it's very emotional to be here today at that time. It's, you know…it puts everything into perspective,” she said.
It was also a heartbreaking day for Mary and Mike McHugh, who lost their daughter Jane a few weeks ago in February. Her organs were donated to four different people.
“It's hard to believe that her heart is beating somewhere else, but it is,” her mother said, adding her father, Mike. Life is a circle.
“Jane has ensured that the other four's lives will be immeasurably better and at least they have a chance, so that's a comfort.”
Martina Goggin said today's event provides an opportunity for transplant recipients to express their gratitude, as well as an opportunity for donor families to remember the impact they have had on the lives of their loved ones and strangers. Ta.
Her husband, Dennis, said the garden was created with love and was intended to be a space that offers healing and hope to those who visit.
The garden, located opposite Salthill Promenade, features stones brought from each county to symbolize the act of organ donation and its far-reaching impact. The tranquil oasis is a popular destination not only for tourists visiting the seaside resort, but also for many locals.
Speaking at today's event, Dr Brian O'Brien, Director of Organ Donation and Transplantation Ireland, said the new human tissue method was a welcome development. Unless you express your intention not to donate your organs before you die, you are considered to have consented to organ donation.
But Dr O'Brien said it's always worthwhile for families to discuss their individual preferences when it comes to organ donation.
He said such discussions are always useful and he encourages people to have them.
