Transplant duo take on the Ring of Kerry for kidney association

TWO Carlow residents took on the iconic Ring of Kerry last weekend for a cause very close to their hearts and once again succeeded!

Alan Cullen from Nurney and Bryan Duignan from Palatine, both transplant recipients participated in the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle in aid of the Irish Kidney Association (IKA), joining many others who have been personally touched by organ failure.

Alan received a kidney donated by his younger brother Ian (43) who lives in Newbridge Co Kildare. The Dublin native has six brothers and while all of his brothers put themselves forward to be considered as living donors, Alan’s wife and his brother Ian were screened first and Ian was considered to be the best match.

This was Alan’s sixth time to do the Ring of Kerry cycle and his third time to raise funds for the Irish Kidney Association. Ian and Alan took part in the cycle together in the 2017. Diagnosed over 20 years ago with IGA nephropathy, Alan managed to stave off dialysis until February this year when he underwent home dialysis and for eight months until his transplant, he was undergoing nightly dialysis for 11 hours. Amazingly and a testament to his resilience, he managed to continue working throughout in a local Kia dealership in Carlow. Alan who has always enjoyed fitness including cycling, running and martial arts.

 To contribute to Alan’s fundraiser for the IKA visit https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/AlanCullen535 

Bryan (43) a triathlete and an official for Carlow triathlon club, represented Ireland for the first time at the World Transplant Games in Australia last year. A native of Co Tipperary, Bryan now lives in Palatine with his family. He received a kidney transplant in 2006 and has embraced sport and fitness since then. Bryan, who took part in the Escape from Alcatraz triathlon in San Francisco in June, remarked, “I did my first triathlon in 2021 and haven’t looked back, I was hooked! I love cycling and I was excited to participate in the iconic Ring of Kerry Cycle for the first time.” 

To support Bryan’s fundraising efforts see www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/BryanDuignan362