A TRALEE man has returned from European Transplant & Dialysis Championships in Cagliari, Sardinia after narrowly missing out on the medals.

Stephen Byrne from Tralee put in great performances in his events at his second European Games just missing out on Bronze in two of them.

In the 5km Mini Marathon which was held on the first day of the week-long games, he was placed in forth position in the 50-59 year age category narrowly missing out on a Bronze by just three seconds and achieving his personal best time.

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He also came close to winning Bronze in his Bowling event later in the week. He also competed in Petanque.  After his first event, the 5km, Stephen said, “I have to thank my donor, I wouldn’t be here without them. A big thanks to my club in Tralee, Born to Run and Tralee Park Run”.

It has been a triumphant week for Transplant Team Ireland at the 10th European Transplant & Dialysis Championships in Cagliari as they won a staggering 54 medals including 11 Gold, 20 silver, 23 Bronze.

A large turnout of family friends and supporters are expected to turn out to meet the team when they come through the Arrivals’ Hall at Dublin airport’s Terminal One  on Sunday.

Twenty three members of Team Ireland, including 10 women and 13 men, who range in age from 31 to 80, competed in intense heat and against strong competition this week on the sun drenched picturesque Italian island of Sardinia.

The positive spirit of the Irish shone through among the 25 competing nations.   At the Games athletes acknowledged their gratitude to their donors. The Games are a celebration of life and showcase the value of sport and regular physical activity for people on dialysis and transplant recipients.