Silver for Karol – Graine Mhaol Celebrates a Champion
A huge congratulations from everyone at Graine Mhaol Dragon Boat Club to our club member, paddler and helm, Karol Donnelly, on winning a silver medal in archery at the 2026 British Transplant Games in Sheffield.
Karol represented Transplant Sport Ireland at her first British Transplant Games, competing in archery alongside athletes from across Ireland. Her silver medal came on the opening day of the Games and is a fantastic achievement particularly as this was also Karol’s first archery competition. Her success was the result of months of training with Mayo Archery Club and coach Brendan McHugh.
But for those of us at Graine Mhaol, Karol’s achievement means something extra special.
Karol is a much-valued member of Graine Mhaol Dragon Boat Club, not only as a regatta paddler and committee member but also as one of our helms. Her experience, enthusiasm and willingness to take responsibility on the boat make her a great contributor to the club, and we’re very lucky to have her as part of our dragon boat family.
A proper Graine Mhaol welcome home
When Karol returned to the boat last Tuesday, club members were ready to make sure her achievement didn’t go unnoticed.
As she stepped off the dragon boat, she was met by a guard of honour of paddles, balloons, a bottle of champagne and plenty of congratulations from her Graine Mhaol friends – Karol was clearly surprised by the fuss and was not expecting to be the centre of attention.
She later sent a message to the club thanking everyone for making the evening special. In true Karol fashion, alongside her thanks for the celebrations, she quickly turned the conversation towards something much bigger than her medal: organ donation.
“I’m chuffed with my silver medal for my first Transplant Games and first archery competition. The celebrations with you meant so much.”
Karol is a two-time liver transplant recipient, having received life-saving transplants in 2006 and 2017. Her own experience has made her a passionate advocate for organ donation and for recognising the incredible gift made by donors and their families.
Have the conversation
Karol’s message to everyone is simple: talk to your family about organ donation and make your wishes known.
As she reminded us in her message to the club, she never imagined that she would one day need a transplant. Yet twice in her life, the decision of donor families gave her the opportunity to continue living, enjoying her family and friends, taking part in sport and, of course, paddling and helming a dragon boat!
Have the conversation is a message that sits at the heart of the Transplant Games themselves. The Games are not simply about medals or competition. They celebrate life after transplantation, honour organ donors and their families, and demonstrate what can be possible because of the gift of donation. And Karol is a wonderful example of that message in action.
The British Transplant Games
The 2026 British Transplant Games took place in Sheffield from 6–9 August, bringing together transplant recipients, living donors and supporters for four days of sporting competition and celebration. The Games featured a wide range of sports, including archery, swimming, athletics, cycling, football, badminton, darts, ten-pin bowling and many more.
Transplant Sport Ireland sent a 19-member team to Sheffield, with Irish athletes competing across a range of events. The team ultimately returned home with 22 medals — 11 gold, six silver and five bronze. Karol’s silver medal in archery was one of those six silver medals.
Congratulations Karol — silver medal winner, archery competitor, dragon boat paddler, helm and all-round great club member.
We’re very proud of you and delighted to celebrate your achievement with you.
Click here for more photos at Lough Lannagh
Read more about Karol’s achievement
- Western People – Mayo woman wins Silver medal at British Transplant Games
- MidWest Radio – Transplanted Mayo athlete to compete at British games
- Irish Examiner – Irish organ recipients and living donors win 22 medals at British Transplant Games
- Transplant Sport Ireland – British Transplant Games information
