Dublin City Council Gives Green Light for Organ Donation Awareness

Dublin City Council is marking Organ Donor Awareness Week (16–23 May) by leading a citywide programme of awareness initiatives, highlighting the importance of organ donation and encouraging people to share their wishes with loved ones. The annual campaign is organised by the Irish Kidney Association (IKA) in collaboration with the HSE’s Organ Donation Transplant Ireland (ODTI).

Central to the campaign is the powerful personal story of John Kelly, a long‑serving Dublin City Council employee and father of two, who underwent a life‑saving liver transplant earlier this year. Now recovering, John is speaking publicly to highlight the life‑changing impact of organ donation and the vital conversations that make it possible.

John, who has worked with Dublin City Council since 2005, received his transplant in March following a prolonged and complex battle with liver disease. After more than two years on the transplant waiting list and multiple setbacks, he finally received the call that saved his life.

“I got my own life back,” John said. “I’m incredibly grateful to my donor and their family. Their decision has given me the chance to be here for my family and to enjoy everyday life again.”

To show visible support for Organ Donor Awareness Week, Dublin City Council will illuminate key civic buildings in green from dusk to dawn, including Dublin City Hall, the Civic Offices at Wood Quay, and the Mansion House. Green is the international colour for organ donation.

The Council is also supporting the campaign through staff engagement initiatives, including information stands in staff canteens and dedicated internal communications to encourage discussion across the organisation.

Speaking about the campaign, Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Ray McAdam, said, “Organ donation is about life, hope and the love people show for others they may never meet. By lighting our civic buildings in green and supporting this campaign, Dublin City Council is standing with families whose lives have been changed forever by organ donation. John’s story brings home the reality behind the statistics, that someone is alive today because another family made a deeply generous decision at a time of great loss. We want people across Dublin to talk to their loved ones and to share their wishes, because those conversations can save lives.”

Originally from Dublin 3 and now living in Sandyford, John credits the support of his family, particularly his partner Sandra, and the understanding shown by colleagues during his illness. “Organ failure affects the whole family,” he said. “The support I received made a huge difference when I needed it most.”

As he continues his recovery, John hopes to return to work later this year and is using his experience to encourage others to act. “Having a donor card is important, but what really matters is telling your family your wishes. Don’t leave your loved ones in doubt.”

For more information on Organ Donor Awareness Week and how to get an organ donor card, visit www.ika.ie/donorweek

#ShareYourWishes #LeaveNoDoubt #DonorWeek26

ENDS

Images
Image 1: Paul and Annette Bryan with Dublin City Council staff member John Kelly, supporting the Irish Kidney Association’s Organ Donor Awareness Week. Both Paul, a former DCC employee and kidney transplant recipient, and John, a recent liver transplant recipient, highlight the life-saving impact of organ donation and encourage people to share their wishes with their families.

Image 2: Colin White, National Advocacy & Projects Manager, Irish Kidney Association, with Paul and Annette Bryan and Dublin City Council staff member John Kelly, supporting Organ Donor Awareness Week. Both Paul, a former DCC employee and kidney transplant recipient, and John, a recent liver transplant recipient, highlight the life-saving impact of organ donation and encourage people to share their wishes with their families.