Sports: Last year it was the Special Olympics World Summer Games. This year it is the European Heart and Lung Transplant Games that will be making its first appearance in Ireland, drawing more than 500 competitors and supporters from 18 countries to Dublin.
The event may not be of the same scale as last summer's global encounter but, according to Terry Mangan, chairman of the Irish Heart and Lung Transplant Association, which is hosting the games, "it's a huge opportunity to raise awareness about organ donation, and to get the message out there that donating organs is a good thing to do."
The games, which celebrate their 10th anniversary this year, involve only competitors who are heart, lung or heart-lung transplant recipients.
Between June 23rd and 27th, some 20 separate athletic events will be staged at venues ranging from the National Aquatic Centre to Morton Stadium.
Malcolm Banks, chairman of the organising committee, said the games, which were last held in Austria two years ago, would be competitive "but eventually they will be about the celebration of a renewed life.
"All competitors participating in the games do so as a result of a brave, generous and compassionate decision by their donors and the donor families. We salute their human goodness.
"The games also bring 500 people to Dublin for a week, many for the first time, and we are determined to ensure that they enjoy their stay with us."
Mr Mangan, who underwent a heart transplant in 1996, is part of the 30-strong Irish team competing in the event. A bronze medal winner in golf at a previous European games, he said competing was "our way of saying thanks to our donors".
"A lot of people might consider the need for donations is sometimes brought out by a doubtful lifestyle. That is not the case."
He pointed out that most of the people on the transplant waiting lists had a similar heart condition to that which caused the death of Tyrone football captain Cormac McAnallen.
"Had he been diagnosed, and not had such a severe reaction, he would be on a waiting list now."
Mr Mangan added: "We dedicate these games to all organ donors and their families and, by our participation, we honour their memory and we respect their wonderful gift. In Ireland and throughout the world, waiting lists for organ transplantation are growing; yet donation rates are falling and stagnating. We urge people to carry 'The Gift for Life' donor cards and to discuss their wishes with their families and friends."
Donor cards are available in chemists or doctors' surgeries and through the Irish Kidney Association at www.ika.ie
