'It was a shock to be told I was in end-stage kidney failure': Cork father takes on Ring of Kerry for Irish Kidney Association

Two years after he received a kidney transplant, a Cork father of two is cycling the Ring of Kerry for the Irish Kidney Association, and in memory of the donor who saved his life.

Matt McAuliffe, aged 55, from Ballynoe, Conna, is preparing to take on the famous 170km route on July 5, when he will be joined by his 19-year-old son, Cathal.

This will be Mr McAuliffe’s fifth time taking part in the annual event, and his first time since being given a new lease of life.

A busy father of two boys, he was diagnosed with kidney failure six years ago, shortly after returning from a family holiday.

“I began to feel extremely tired and unwell,” Mr McAuliffe said.

“My GP ran some tests and referred me to a nephrologist at Cork University Hospital. It was a shock to be told I was in end-stage kidney failure.”

For nearly four years, he underwent dialysis three times a week at Cork University Hospital and spent several years balancing treatment, fatigue, and hope for a kidney donor.

“Going from being active and working full-time to undergoing regular dialysis was extremely tough,” Mr McAuliffe said.

“But the support from my medical team and the Irish Kidney Association made all the difference. They helped me and my family to navigate such a difficult time.”

The generosity of an organ donor and their family led to a life-saving transplant two years ago, and Mr McAuliffe said he hoped the family knew the impact their kindness has had upon his life.

“I sent a letter anonymously through the transplant coordinator at Beaumont Hospital to the donor family within a year of my transplant. It’s difficult to write the letter and put into words my profound gratitude for the gift they have given me,” he said.

Determined to give back, Mr McAuliffe said he was taking part in the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle to raise awareness and funds for the Irish Kidney Association, which provides critical support to patients and families living with kidney disease.

Over 2,500 patients in Ireland are currently receiving dialysis treatment.

• To support Mr McAuliffe’s fundraising efforts, search ‘Matt McAuliffe’ on idonate.ie