Thank you Oisín
Oisín Kelly was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in 2021, and after a lengthy battle, he sadly passed in August 2023. Throughout his illness Oisín received many blood and platelet transfusions, and he and his family learned that many cancer patients require blood and platelet transfusions as part of their treatment – this was a vital part of the treatment for Oisín. It was because of this that Oisín wanted to do all that he could to raise awareness of the importance of giving blood. He wanted to get the message out there, especially to young people like him, that giving blood is vital.
Oisín loved sport and was hugely involved in his local GAA club, Naomh Eoin, Carlow. Even after his diagnosis he spent lots of time at the club and with his friends and team mates. He put a huge amount of effort into campaigning for blood donations, and with others in the club organised for the Irish Blood Transfusion Service to come to his club to give a talk on giving blood. He hoped that this would encourage more people to become blood donors.
We want to say a special ‘Thank you’ to Oisín and his family for his dedication to raising awareness of the importance of blood donation amongst his friends, community, and GAA club.
Oisín’s father Brendan told us that, Oisin wanted to ensure there was a continuing focus on the importance of regular blood donation and ensure that other people, particularly cancer sufferers, would benefit from having sufficient supplies of blood available to them now and in the future, so more lives could be improved or saved.
Blood donations are vital; they improve and save lives. If you would like to become a donor, please check your eligibility to Become a Donor
Did you know;
67 % of donated blood is used to treat cancer patients and people with blood disorders.
27% of donated blood is used in surgery and emergency situations.
6% of donated blood is used to treat blood loss after child birth and to help premature babies.
100% of all donated blood is precious and saves lives everyday.
Carlow GAA are honoured to continue to promote Oisín's message and will have an initiative coming in early 2024.
