Two local councillors share their stories of donating kidneys

By Mary Dennehy

COUNCILLOR Ronan McMahon is one of two councillors sitting on South Dublin County Council who has donated a kidney to a friend or family member in the past year.

Just three months ago, Sinn Féin councillor Enda Fanning also became a living kidney donor to his friend Tadhg O’Connell – who is currently away enjoying a ski holiday.

Cllr Fanning told The Echo: “My friend was doing dialysis seven nights a week and after a few family options for donors fell through, I put myself forward.

“Three months later, I’m feeling grand healthwise and my pal is off on a skiing holiday – which really says it all.”

Ireland currently uses an opt-in system which means that people have to express their consent before their organs can be donated.

However, Cllr Fanning supports changing Ireland’s system to presumed consent or a soft opt-out system, which, adopted by many countries in the EU, involves people expressing their wishes not to donate – rather than to donate.

The Committee on Health and Children, who examined the issue three years ago, recommended a system whereby the family or the next of kin would always be consulted to ensure the maintenance of the principle that donation is a gift.

According to Cllr Fanning: “I would support Cllr McMahon’s motion.

“I have seen how a kidney transplant can give a person a whole new lease of life in three months.

“I would also encourage people to have this important conversation with their family.”