Former Westmeath footballer, John Egan, has had a successful kidney transplant.
The ex inter-county player took to social media from his hospital bed to tell his followers the good news and thank his "friend" and father-in-law Ollie for donating the kidney to him.
"On Monday this week I received a lifesaving kidney from my friend and father-in-law Ollie," he tweeted.
"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."
Egan urged anyone reading his post to consider becoming an organ donor.
"For anyone who sees this, please consider becoming an organ donor or have the conversation with your family & friends," he said.
"Thanks a mill, John."
15 years ago Egan was diagnosed with IGA Nephropathy, a chronic kidney disease that can lead to kidney failure.
He visited a doctor after noticing he was passing blood in his urine and after thinking it was just a small infection he got the diagnosis and spent three weeks in hospital.
In 2018 he was forced to retire from football after a dip in his energy levels and a serious knee injury at the end of that season.
In recent years his condition deteriorated and at one stage his kidneys dropped below nine per cent of normal function, which led to cramps, swelling, fatigue and gout.
He was transplant waiting list after several months of appointment delays due to the pandemic.
Egan had to be placed on dialysis before his father-in-law Ollie amazingly provided a suitable transplant.
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