Former Westmeath footballer recovering following kidney donation from father-in-law

Former Westmeath footballer John Egan is recovering in hospital this week following a successful kidney transplant.

John had been waiting on a kidney transplant since earlier this year, which was donated by his father-in-law Ollie.

Tweeting on Wednesday, he said:

"On Monday this week I received a lifesaving kidney from by friend and father-in-law Ollie.

"Both myself, Ollie and the kidney are all doing well. Thanks to everyone who has reached out over the last few years and shown support. I really appreciate it."

John was diagnosed with IGA Nephropathy as a teenager and was told there was no cure.

Blood tests were taken as part of the medical with Westmeath GAA in 2018 and it showed that his kidney function had dropped to below 30%. Following a knee injury towards the end of the 2018 season, he decided to retire from inter-county football at the age of 28.

In recent years he has been vocal about the need for every household to talk about organ donation, and he reiterated that view again this week by tweeting an image of an organ donor card with the words:

"For anyone who sees this, please consider becoming an organ donor or have the conversation with your family and friends."