Team Ireland have arrived back in Dublin after the Transplant World Games in Dresden in Germany.
Twenty-nine athletes competed in the event, which aims to raise awareness about the importance of organ donation, as well as encourage those who have received or given organs to keep active.
It was a hugely successful games, with the team returning with 28 medals.
Among them was Cork's Mairead O’Mahony, who won five, including three golds in the 1500m, shot putt, and 800m, where she set a world record.
Ms O'Mahony had a bone marrow transplant 28 years ago, and thanked her brother Willie who was her donor.
"I felt that I was reconnecting with something I loved so much, which was taken from me on my cancer diagnosis," she said.
"I was so excited to potentially achieve some of the dreams which, as a 17-year-old I thought were gone forever."
'Unlike any other sporting event'
Ivan Kinahan, who was the team’s only living donor, was also a gold medallist.
Mr Kinahan donated his kidney to his son Sam, and described the games as "just fabulous".
"So friendly and exciting. It's unlike any other sporting event I've witnessed. It is also great to be able to train with these games as a yearly goal," he said.
"It is a truly unique experience watching our team competing and cheering on our friends. The nervous energy I get from competing keeps me coming back.
"I recognise that life is delicate but also that without this difficulty we would not have found these wonderful events and friends," he added.
Heart transplant recipient Robert McCutcheon was among those welcoming the team home tonight.
He said it is a moment to remember donors and their generosity, adding that the athletes are "showing that life exists after donation"
Manager Harry Ward from Baldoyle had a transplant 18 years ago, and said he thinks about his deceased donor every day.
"I do these games to show that I appreciate the gift of life and a second chance at life."
