KIND HEARTED JOE BROLLY’S KIDNEY TRANSPLANT DONATION FAILS

BELFAST barrister Joe Brolly’s kidney has been removed from pal Shane Finnegan after medical complications set in.

Belfast barrister Joe Brolly who donated his kidney to frined Shane Finnegan

Mr Finnegan received a kidney from Mr Brolly during an operation at Guys Hospital in London on 3 October.

In a statement last night, the Belfast Trust said after initially functioning well, complications had developed.

The kidney was removed from Mr Finnegan last Friday, October 12.

“This is a rare and unfortunate occurrence after kidney transplantation, (most kidneys from a living donor work successfully for many years),” the statement said.

“Whilst both families are naturally devastated, they are hugely encouraged by the massive wave of goodwill and support from the community and the resultant increased public awareness of the critical importance of organ donation.

“Mr Finnegan is confident that with the continued support of family and friends he will be home soon and able to resume a full family and work life.”

The trust said both men were very keen to support its campaign for organ donation and had agreed to spearhead a drive to increase the number of donors.

“For both men and their families, this has been a life affirming experience,” the statement added.

Mr Finnegan, who works for a Belfast public relations firm, had been waiting for a transplant for over six years.

Mr Brolly, a popular barrister who lives in east Belfast, and Mr Finnegan both coach an under-10 side at St Brigid’s GAC in Belfast, where both men’s sons play.