The former Enniskillen rugby player received a kidney transplant from his brother in November 2000 and while the operation may well have put an end to his rugby career, Brian was determined to continue in the sports field in some form.

    Transplant athletics is vibrant in the UK and while there may be a dearth of top class facilities in Northern Ireland, the demand is there in the North and indeed the Northen Ireland team had a highly successful games winning 26 gold, 11 silver and 4 bronze.

    Brian played a major part in this medal haul with five golds. He competed in the 100m, 200m, 400m, the High Jump and the Long Jump, taking first place in all five. With all five events taking place on the one day Brian aptly demonstrated that while he prefers the explosive, sprinting disciplines, he also has plenty of stamina.

    He run the 100m in 12.5 seconds and the 200m in 25.08 which he rates as his best performance given that it was a highly competitive event.

    Brian was delighted with his achievements but has no intention of resting on his laurels.

    " I have been told that I will be going forward to represent the Great Britain and Northen Ireland team in the World Games in France next July. I just don't know which disciplines yet as it all depends on the times and those of other potential team members," revealed Brian before adding. " Last year I did not really enter any other club events during the year but this year I will as there is no other better way of improving times or distances. It does not matter how much effort you put into training, competition pushes you further. There are good club events at tracks in Northern Ireland so I will give them a go in a hope of improving my times and distances."

    Brian trains three times a week, stepping up his efforts prior to competitions such as the British Transplant Games. He also says that while it is nice to win, the Games are about much more than winning. " The purpose of the Games is to promote awareness of the difference a transplant makes to a person's life and the need for people to carry donor cards. There is a great team spirit and camaraderie between all the athletes and the atmosphere is quite moving when you see young athletes who may have needed transplants at an early age competing."