Former Tipperary underage camogie player Michelle Barry has spoken of her determination to return to the sport she loves after receiving a life-changing kidney transplant earlier this year.

The 22-year-old from Nenagh is also encouraging people to support the Irish Kidney Association's fundraising appeal for the National Kidney Support Centre at Beaumont Hospital, a facility that proved invaluable to Michelle and her family during her transplant and recovery.

Michelle, who represented Tipperary at underage level and also lined out for Nenagh Éire Óg, had lived with kidney disease since childhood. After more than three years on dialysis, she received the call she had been waiting for in April when a deceased donor kidney became available.

The transplant marked the end of a long and difficult journey that had overshadowed her college years, disrupted her studies and ultimately forced her to step away from playing camogie.

"I was 19 when I began dialysis treatment," Michelle said. "For at least a year beforehand I was very tired and breathless, but because it had become my normal, I didn't realise how much my health had declined."

Having secured a place studying Business at the University of Galway, Michelle was forced to balance student life with daily dialysis treatment.

"There was so much going on at once," she recalled. "I was living away from home for the first time and suddenly I had to manage dialysis as well. Everything revolved around it. I was trying to enjoy college life while managing treatment every day."

Despite her illness, Michelle continued to play camogie for more than a year after beginning dialysis and remained heavily involved with Nenagh Éire Óg through coaching and team management before eventually being forced to step away from the playing field.

"My kidneys were putting pressure on my heart and I became very breathless when exercising. That was really what made the decision for me," she said.

After three years and four months on dialysis, Michelle finally received the phone call that changed her life.

"When you're on the transplant list, you know somebody has to pass away for that call to come," she said. "The second I got the call, that was the first place my mind went. Our family was receiving the best news we'd had in years, but somewhere another family had just received the worst news of their lives."

Michelle's father, Michael, travelled with her to Beaumont Hospital, where the National Kidney Support Centre provided accommodation and support throughout her surgery and recovery.

Michelle Barry recovering from her transplant operation.

"The comfort and convenience of the Centre removed so much stress," he said. "I could walk to the hospital in just a few minutes and knew I was always close by if Michelle needed me. The staff couldn't have been more welcoming."

Thankfully, Michelle's transplant was an immediate success and she is now rebuilding her fitness with one clear ambition.

"The day after I got home from hospital I ordered a new hurley," she laughed. "I've started jogging again, I'm back in the gym and my goal is to get back playing camogie."

To allow her to return safely to the game, Michelle's consultant has recommended she wear a specialised protective belt to safeguard her transplanted kidney during sport.

With Father's Day approaching, Michael reflected on how much life has changed for the family over the past 12 months.

"Twelve months ago Michelle was still on dialysis and we were living with all the uncertainty that comes with kidney failure," he said. "Now she's doing brilliantly, looking forward to starting her new job and getting her life back.

"As a father, all you want is to see your children healthy and happy. This Father's Day we'll celebrate together as a family while remembering the donor family whose selfless generosity made this possible."

The National Kidney Support Centre, located beside Beaumont Hospital, provides free overnight accommodation and day facilities for kidney patients and their families travelling to Dublin for treatment, transplantation and specialist renal care.

The Irish Kidney Association is currently in the final phase of its €250,000 fundraising campaign to renovate and future-proof the facility. Michelle and her family hope that by sharing their story they can help ensure future families facing similar journeys receive the same support they experienced.

To support the Irish Kidney Association's fundraising appeal or learn more about the National Kidney Support Centre, visit www.supportkidneycentre.ie.

Tweet

Most Read Stories