The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Hero’s return for Transplant champ
Two golds for dialysis patient
THREE international athletics medals might seem like the mother of all achievements to most of us, but when you factor in the fact this particular victor was undergoing dialysis at the same time you get a tad more measure of the effort involved.
Listowel’s Alan Gleeson did his county and country hugely proud at the European Transplant and Dialysis Sports Championship in Finland during the week, leaving rivals in his wake in the 100 and 200m races and claiming silver in the long jump.
However, Alan had to bow out of the start line in what was to have been his fourth event to undergo scheduled dialysis in Finland.
A member of An Garda Síochána, Alan underwent a kidney transplant aged just 16 but unfortunately its function began to fail in 2014 requiring Alan to undergo dialysis again - three times a week.
The Kerry man clearly isn’t one for letting the gruelling effects of his condition dictate his life. This year’s event was Alan’s second championships, having previously travelled to the games 12 years ago. His arduous training regime was made easier by the huge encouragement received from Listowel man, Conor O’ Neill, who accompanied him on his runs in Dublin - a pillar of support when the going got tough.
He arrived home to a hero’s welcome at Dublin Airport at the weekend where proud family and girlfriend Máirín led the celebrations.
“It was fantastic. There were tough conditions and heavy rain but I was happy with the outcome.” Alan said.
“I’ve been practicing at ALSAA Sports Complex and the Phoenix Park. It’s great to have medals to bring home to all my fantastic supporters”, he said. Alan’s parents Sean and Julie are overjoyed by the success. “Words can’t describe the emotion we felt when we found out he had won. Considering everything Alan has been through, it’s just unbelievable,” proud mom Julie said..
Tralee’s Stephen Byrne also represented the country with distinction. The Ballyrickard man finished 5th in the 200m race on Saturday and also contested pentaque and bowling.