Askeaton’s Robert Sheahan has won an astonishing three gold medals at the European Transplant Games in the Netherlands (Arnhem).
The hugely talented athlete took gold in the 50m Backstroke, 50m Breaststroke and 50m Freestyle.
Born with Cystic Fibrosis, Robert faced significant health challenges from an early age. In 2019, he became part of Irish medical history when he received the country’s first simultaneous double lung and liver transplant. He works as a swim instructor in Askeaton Swimming Pool and also is a member of the Management Development Team with Limerick City and County Council.
Mayor John Moran offered his congratulations, saying: “Robert’s achievement is a source of great pride for all of us. His determination and success on the international stage reflect the very best and the innate resilience of Limerick, and his story is one that will inspire many. My heartiest congrat-ulations to him, his proud mam and dad, Caroline and Kevin, and family.”
“Tremendous news for himself, for his family, and for donors. Whenever there’s a huge success story like Robert’s, it must have a positive knock-on effect on all donors or people contemplating becoming a donor,” added Robert’s father Kevin, a former Mayor of Limerick.
UK-based Trevor Lynch, a native of Cappamore, will compete in athletics at the Games on this Friday and Saturday.