We were all  there for one  reason, and that was  to remember that very special person who gave them the  precious gift of life. It was very well attended by both heart and lung recipients and their families and friends. Each recipient is given a white carnation for their lapel, which are worn with pride. During the ceremony each transplant  recipient carried a lighted candle to the altar to honor the memory of their donor and in thanks for the huge gift that has been bestowed on each and every one of them, and to the skill and dedication of the medical staff. Two larger candles are lit in memory of  deceased members of the association and also for those members who were not present on the day.

A presentation was made to members  celebrating 15 years of transplantation and also to one of our members who celebrated 25 years. A very emotional and proud moment for all.    

Celebrant,Fr.Stephen Foster,Chaplain of the Mater Hospital conducted the Mass and the ceremony was made even more beautiful by the contribution of Chris McInerney (singer) and Sr. Christina Dufficy (on Organ) who have given us the pleasure of their exceptional  music for the last 22 years. Among the Newcomers to the celebration this year was 18 year old singer,  Ailis Meade, who joined Chris and Sr. Christina in adding her beautiful voice to the proceedings.   Thank you to you all, you made it special.   
   
We would also like to take this opportunity to thank Frank Kennedy for his excellent contribution to the Mass as a singer during the past number of years, we hope that he enjoyed  a more relaxed role in being  part of the congregation this year  along with his wife, Marie.  

Following the Ceremony a reception was held in the Atrium of The Mater Whitty  Wing.   This year, as we had an increase in the number of transplant recipients, and in particular lung transplants we needed a larger venue to hold the reception and the Atrium was the ideal venue. It offered a little more space and gave us a focus where those who we haven't met yet could introduce themselves to the Committee and meet with others who have recently and not so recently had transplants.  

Thank you to everyone who took part in the day and to those who helped make it happen.   Sr.Josephine of the Mater Hospital who prepared the Chapel beautifully for us.   Thanks also Anne Reape and her colleagues from the  Mater Hospital, catering was wonderful on the day. We had information stands in the Atrium for IHLTA membership and general enquiries, fund raising and Mini Marathon and the upcoming European Transplant Games in Lithuania this July. We are aware that some people are not getting correspondence from us and that is because unless you give permission, due to Data Protection regulations, the Hospital can not pass on your details.   To ensure you are included on our mailing list, You can email us on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with your details and we will make sure you are informed of all upcoming events.

Thank you to all who attended, those twenty five years plus transplanted to those more recent, it was lovely to see everyone there from many different places  to remember in a special way, our Donors, who gave us all the Gift of Life.