A ten-year-old girl from Drumquin, County Tyrone, underwent a kidney transplant yesterday. Her father donated the organ in a successful operation.

Cora Connolly, a pupil at St Joseph’s Primary School in Drumquin, received the diagnosis of chronic kidney disease after routine health checks. The checks followed concerns about mouth ulcers. Doctors conducted scans, ultrasounds and blood work but initially could not identify the cause. A biopsy confirmed stage 3b chronic kidney disease.

Cora's kidney function declined but she avoided dialysis until the transplant. Last month, tests showed her father Ryan as a suitable donor.

Both Cora and Ryan had surgery yesterday. Cora's mother Ashlene reported positive early signs after the procedures. She noted the surgeons expressed satisfaction with the outcomes. Ryan experienced less pain than Cora, who felt unwell post-operation.

The family acknowledged support from the Drumquin community over the past year. Community members contacted them and some offered to undergo testing as potential donors.