CLARE man Declan Meaney will lace up his running shoes this weekend for his first-ever marathon in Dublin, raising crucial funds for the Irish Kidney Association.
Declan’s motivation stems from a personal connection – his mother Lynda Meaney was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD) twenty one years ago and has been undergoing haemodialysis treatment for the past three years.
Lynda, whose birthday is this weekend also, travels fifty minutes each way three times a week to receive dialysis treatment at the Fresenius Medical Centre on Dock Road in Limerick, which lasts nearly four hours per session. Despite her determination, the toll of chronic kidney disease has forced her to scale back her role in the playschool which she has owned and managed since Declan was a child.
39-year old-Declan from Ballyea explained, “Her energy is drained by the long hours of treatment, the demanding travel, and the fatigue and nausea that accompanies kidney failure. She has been on the kidney transplant waiting list for two years, and our family is hoping she receives a donor match soon.”
In honour of his mother and other patients enduring similar challenges, Declan has teamed up with his close friend Emmet Lundy, from Newmarket-on-Fergus, and his wife Niamh’s cousin Kate Ryan from Moy, to run the Irish Life Dublin Marathon. The trio has been training for the event since the summer, supporting one another and working through the highs and lows, together they have a goal to complete the distance in or around the four-hour mark. Declan said, “While I would like to have great pace, for me the race is not about the time it takes to cross the finish line – it’s about showing support for my mother and other kidney patients’ health journey and raising awareness for organ donation.”
Declan shared, “My Mam has been on dialysis for three years and has been on the transplant list for two. I’m running this marathon to give back to the Irish Kidney Association, which has provided vital support to our family over the years. They’ve been a lifeline to families like ours, offering help with accommodation for those travelling to Beaumont Hospital and Cork University Hospital for clinic appointments. Unfortunately, I was ruled out as a donor to help Mam which was very hard to swallow as everyone wants to see their mother in great health.  This run is my way of contributing and hopefully bringing a little good karma our way, so my Mam can receive the transplant she’s been waiting for.”
Declan’s marathon efforts have garnered the support of his local Football Club Fern Celtic FC, which he has played with for a number of years, the Ennis/Leeds United Supporters Club, his colleagues at Clare County Council, and many individuals who have contributed to his fundraising. Declan expressed his deep gratitude to everyone who has supported him, saying, “I’m overwhelmed by the generosity of friends, family, and even those I don’t know personally who have contributed to this cause. Every donation, no matter how small, is helping to make a real difference in the lives of kidney patients like my Mam.”
Declan’s wife Niamh, their 1-year-old son Tadhg, as well as Emmet’s fiancée Neasa O’Dea and their daughter Róisín, are also travelling to Dublin to cheer the three runners on throughout the race. Wearing bright yellow t-shirts with the Irish Kidney Association logo, the trio hope to raise funds and awareness for the Irish Kidney Association, helping more families affected by kidney disease and promoting the importance of organ donation.
Support Declan’s fundraiser for the Irish Kidney Association through the following link which will remain open for a few weeks: Fundraising Page of Declan Meaney
Becoming an organ donor in Ireland is a simple process: carry an organ donor card, note your consent on your driving license, or set up the organ donor app on your phone but most importantly Share Your Wishes with your loved ones. For more information on organ donation and the Irish Kidney Association visit www.ika.ie