I know the whole story here lads but from the other way round. Shane Finnegan, the reciever is a close relation, and the extent, dedication and absolute committment to making this work from Joe Brollys end was unbelievable.
Shane Finnegan was a county minor for Antrim 22 years ago and picked up a kidney injury that year and has not played since. His two brothers Greg and Donagh played for St Pauls and Antrim for many years, and Shane was destined for great things too.
The efforts Shane has gone to to get donors, and then get a correct blood match (which was the very hard bit) was a long heartbreaking journey. The physical and mental torture involvedcannot be properly explained. Shane couldnt pass urine. He peed for the first time in many years yesterday.
I wont spoil the story which hopefully will appear in the media once the two guys get out of hospital. The great news is the operation looks to have been a real success. Joe has taken two months off work to make this happen, and was the driver all along since he first heard about Shanes condition.
Will always hold him in high esteem after this. Delighted for Shane as well - his life can get back to normality again.
Went to primary school with Shane, Bannside, his mum was the Vice Principle (Ma Finnegan) at St Finnian's on the lower Falls, decent fella and I haven't seen him since he stop playing christ over 22 years now, getting old.
Anyways fair play to Joe and no better recipient than Shane, I can still see him coming to school everyday in his shorts!! Kids wearing shorts on the Falls during the seventies was unheard off
