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Ailbhe Doherty

This Irishman saved five lives in two countries by donating his organs

Rory Doherty’s sister said she is “so incredibly proud” that her brother was one of the 86 people last year who gave a lifeline to someone in need.

RORY DOHERTY WAS 19-years-old when he signed up to become an organ donor.

Nine months ago, at the age of 33, he died following a work accident and at the hospital staff asked his family would they donate his organs.

His sister Ailbhe said the family “knew without doubt exactly what we would do”. “For a family it is a devastating moment because not only were we losing someone we love, but we were also losing a best friend, father, son, brother and partner,” she explained.

“There is no doubt that the pain was unbearable but knowing that this was what Rory would have wanted and that something so amazing and positive could come out of what had happened we said ‘yes’ to donating his organs”.

She said she is “so incredibly proud” to think her brother was one of the 86 people last year who gave a lifeline to others.

“Rory saved five people’s lives, one recipient received his kidney and pancreas, the second recipient received his other kidney, we know his liver went to the third recipient and both his lungs went to a young person and finally his lovely heart went to England.”

Rory was such a unique character and so many people have said that it was a pity we couldn’t donate his funny bone. He had the ability not only to make people laugh uncontrollably but also knew how to put a smile on your face when you were feeling down, he cared about everyone. There are not enough words to describe just how proud I am of him, in life and in death – he was a legend.

Doherty said it gives her family comfort to know that Rory lives on and she now “wouldn’t be without” her donor card. As this week is Organ Donor Awareness Week and she said she would urge everyone to sign up for a card.

Read: 2013 a ‘record year’ for organ transplants in Ireland>

Poll: Do you think Ireland should have an opt out system for organ donation?>

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45 Comments
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    Mute Huey
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    May 4th 2014, 6:28 PM

    corruption in state or semi state bodies?
    That would be very unusual, they’ve denied so no point in drilling down into accounts

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    Mute Huey
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    May 4th 2014, 6:47 PM

    Better retire quick lads with the golden handshake and develop complete amnesia before PAC come knocking

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    Mute Owl Mick
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    May 4th 2014, 6:31 PM

    It was the red setter wat did it your honour.

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    Mute Padraig McHale
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    May 4th 2014, 6:37 PM

    Incompetent semi-state shocker!

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    Mute john williams
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    May 4th 2014, 6:52 PM

    ‘Attention luggage doors operaaaaaaaaaating’

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    Mute TOP CAT
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    May 4th 2014, 6:34 PM

    Sounds Otto the bus driver is the spokes person for Bus Eireann….

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    Mute Brendan Boyd
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    May 4th 2014, 7:20 PM

    Hope you enjoyed your holidays you little bullies. You can expect another little holiday to Mountjoy soon enough.

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    Mute Ryan Carroll
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    May 4th 2014, 10:08 PM

    BE employees have had many a holiday based on tenders for school contracts the corruptions RAMPANT but they don’t consider it corruption that’s how they are able to say this with a straght face, they think of it the same as a tip, so what if X Coaches wants to give me a holiday package sure amn’t I good enough for it? am I not the poor persecuted PS empoyee? My union tells me I am..

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    Mute Joseph O'Regan
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    May 4th 2014, 9:45 PM

    Ermmmmmmmmm I won that holiday off him in a game of cards. That was a birthday present. He asked my wife to hold on to it but then said we could keep it. …. I said I would only accept it if it wasn’t a bribe.

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    Mute First Last
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    May 4th 2014, 9:47 PM

    Lads corruption is gone a bit far now…

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    Mute Mark O'Hagan
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    May 5th 2014, 9:24 AM

    All you need is for Martin McGuinness to say is that he believes them and that will be OK.

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