Sports
Askeaton’s Robert Sheahan earns three gold medals at European Transplant Games
Askeaton’s Robert Sheahan earns three gold medals at European Transplant Games
Askeaton’s Robert Sheahan earns 50m Backstroke, 50m Breaststroke, and 50m freestyle gold medals at the 2026 European Transplant Games in the Netherlands
Robert Sheahan from Askeaton has won a gold medal in the 2026 European Transplant Games with his Day 1 performance in the 50m Backstroke and day 2 performances in the 50m Breaststroke and 50m freestyle.
Robert faced serious health challenges from an early age when he was born with Cystic Fibrosis; in 2019, he made history in the country when he became the first person to receive a simultaneous double lung and liver transplant.
The operation was the first of its kind ever performed in Ireland, and now Robert has made history once again by earning gold in the 50m Backstroke at the 2026 European Transplant Games.
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Announcing his place in the team, Transplant Sports Ireland recognised his journey, saying, “History-maker. Transplant recipient. Team Ireland athlete.”
Robert, who is the only Irish patient to undergo the complex double transplant procedure, has described his journey as one of resilience and determination. The Askeaton athlete says one of his proudest moments has been convincing the medical team that he was the right candidate for the groundbreaking surgery.
It was a double celebration for Robert, who also celebrated his birthday on Monday, June 22, earning gold seven years from his life-saving transplant.
On Tuesday, June 23, Robert took gold in two other categories, with both the 50m Breaststroke and 50m Freestyle marking an incredible Transplant Games for the Askeaton athlete.
Transplant Sports Ireland continues a long tradition of transplant sport in Ireland as started by the Irish Kidney Association more than 30 years ago. Irish transplant teams have a strong track record over the years in participation in World, European and British transplant games and have repeatedly punched above our weight, returning time after time with multiple gold, silver and bronze medals and countless stories of friendship and experiences abroad.
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