Lurgan man backs testing campaign for condition dubbed the Celtic Curse
Finbar Polin was diagnosed with haemochromatosis in 2020
Last updated 16th Jan 2026
A Lurgan man is supporting free testing for almost 24,000 households in Northern Ireland for a condition known as the Celtic Curse.
Haemochromatosis is genetic and leads to iron overload in the body, which can have serious health implications if not found early.
The excess iron can build up and significantly increase the risk of fatigue, joint pain, liver disease, diabetes, heart and bowel disorders, alongside symptoms such as brain fog and impacts on mood.
Haemochromatosis is Northern Ireland’s most common inherited condition, with around one in ten people carrying the underlying genetics that put them most at risk of developing it.
Many people have no symptoms until damage has already occurred.
The charity is offering free genetic screening in selected postcodes across Irvinestown, Portadown, Ballymena and Magherafelt.
Finbar Polin was diagnosed with the condition during covid and has been managing it ever since.
He tells us he hopes the charity campaign will help raise awareness of the disorder:
"When I was diagnosed I had never heard of the condition, I didn't know what it was.
"I live with it everyday and it's hard, it's mentally hard.
"I've spoken to people recently who have had this condition for thirty years which I didn't know about.
"Anybody with haemochromatosis is born with it, they have it all their life and it's manageable but there's no cure for it."
Currently in Northern Ireland there is no screening programme for haemochromatosis.
GPs only test for it on the NHS if someone is showing symptoms.
Finbar tells us he wants that to change as early detection is key:
"This is a big problem that we're having and it's a hidden condition.
"I had asked all the politicians to take this on board because there are a lot of people out there suffering.
"These tests are going to save somebody's life."
The Department of Health says screening programmes in Northern Ireland are guided by the UK National Screening Committee, which currently doesn't recommend screening for people without symptoms.