Longford star performs magnificently at Transplant World Cup

A county Longford star of Ireland’s team who performed magnificently at the first ever Transplant World Cup was given a hero’s welcome at a special homecoming on Monday.
Hundreds of adults and children gathered in Ballymahon to congratulate Derek Rutherford and celebrate his participation and success in the football tournament in Italy.

The 43 year-old, a special needs assistant at St Matthew’s National School, was Ireland’s goalkeeper as the seven-a side team finished in an impressive sixth place.
There was a carnival atmosphere, which included an aerial flyover by parent David Bruton and a float provided and decorated by the St Patrick’s Day committee for Derek who was visibly emotional.

“I was expecting a nice quiet day when I came back to school for the first day,” he said. “It was a dream come true, to come back and see what the school had put on for me, it was so lovely and an absolute fairytale.”
Lanesboro-based Derek, who is married to Ronie and a father of four, spent 22 years in the army, said the support from the school and community has been wonderful.

The Derry native, who moved to county Longford 13 years ago and had a successful liver transplant in 2022, described the bond of the 13-man panel who all faced adversity in their lives as ‘unbreakable’.
The team performed admirably in stifling 29C heat between September 8 and 14 in Cervia in the northern province of Ravenna.

“I was so honoured to do that (achieve sixth) and come home and see how much people at home here thrived on it,” Derek said. “I didn’t think I’d be reduced to tears again so soon after last week but I was.”
A guard of honour was formed by pupils from the three schools, surrounding businesses and local sports associations such as Ballymahon GAA, Ballymahon AFC soccer club and the local kayaking club.

Derek, who compared the homecoming to another St Patrick’s Day, said the team is now targeting further success in the 2025 Transplant World Championships.
Principal Herbert Farrell said they were delighted to organise the event.

“It’s absolutely fabulous, I had never known anyone previously who had been to a world cup let alone played in one like Derek,” he stated. “It’s a wonderful celebration and one of great pride and inspiration for the whole community.”
Mr Farrell said talented goalkeeper Derek and the team, who defeated Romania, USA and Wales during the tournament, had shown lots of resilience.
“It just goes to show that no matter what you face you can still compete on the world stage,” he added.
Derek, who previously lined out for Derry City, and the team fundraised to cover their flights, accommodation and facilities.
Ireland were beaten narrowly by France and England before exiting after a penalty shootout loss to Italy.
After his transplant, Derek linked up with the transplant team after being approached and the Transplant World Cup was his first time to play as a net minder in over 20 years.