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Honouring organ donors. Supporting families. Giving thanks for the gift of life.
The Irish Kidney Association’s Service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving is a gentle, inclusive annual gathering to remember organ donors, support their families, and give thanks for the second chance of life that organ donation provides.
You are warmly welcome whether you are a donor family member, a transplant recipient, on dialysis, waiting for a transplant, a healthcare professional, or a friend and supporter.
About the Service
The Service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving is a special annual gathering organised by the Irish Kidney Association to honour organ donors and support their families.
The first Service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving was held in 1986 at St. Mary’s Church, Haddington Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4.
It was established by the Irish Kidney Association to publicly recognise the courageous generosity of organ donors and their families.
People of all faiths and none are welcome. You do not need to be a member of the Irish Kidney Association to attend. The tone of the Service is gentle, inclusive and non‑judgemental.
The Book of Remembrance
The same calligrapher, Annette Daly, has been entering the names of organ donors in the Book of Remembrance since it was first introduced, and this Roll of Honour has been an important and deeply meaningful aspect of the Service where families of organ donors can view their deceased loved ones’ entry.
The Book of Remembrance is available for families to view as part of the Service.
If you are a donor family and would like to talk about including your loved one’s name, you are very welcome to contact us.
More Information
Join us for the Service
Whether you are a donor family member, transplant recipient, kidney patient, carer or friend, you are warmly invited to attend the Service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving.
About the Irish Kidney Association
The Irish Kidney Association is a national charity supporting kidney patients, transplant recipients, donor families and carers.
Learn more about organ donation
Organ donation can transform and save lives. Understanding how it works, and sharing your wishes with your loved ones, can bring comfort and clarity at very difficult times.