Best of luck Orla O'Leary...

[ydunne]

Ah Orla, u brought a lump to my throat. Wish you were here right now to give me the kick in the ass I need . You were everything the club needed last year. Always available for advice and encouragement.

Take care of yourself and Hi to all the gang.xx

[frankb]

Hey Orla - good to hear from you. You and your gang are missed around these parts. Well done on the 6' marathon - a toughie! Keep us posted on your activities.

[BShaugh]

Great to hear from you Orla! That marathon looks mad - average time is 5.30 which puts into perspective what a great run you had. Delighted to here the low HR training is working out for, you always had pace to burn so looking forward hearing how the summer goes.

[Orls]

Thanks guys, looking forward to hearing how the season goes!

[Siobhan]

Dad never really understood why I loved running so much, but he respected me for doing what I loved doing, as he did what he loved doing all his life. 'How are all the physical jerks'? he used to say when I'd arrive home from PE college. And as he sat in our kitchen in 5 Carrigduff last year drinking tea, after I arrived in from a run, wet and smiling, he was just so perplexed! But, he never stood in my way.

Okay Miss O'Leary/Mrs Thompson, time to set the record straight here- plus you might need to rethink about where your love of sport and athletics came from : and I quote from 'Our Sporting Past' A history of Track and Field Athletics, Cross-Country, Cycling and Tug-O-War in County Wexford (1877-1967) by Mr. James Parle (2012):
Liam O'Leary, Bunclody
'In what was quite a short athletic career, Bunclody man Liam O'Leary (b.1937) made his mark on the county, provincial and indeed the national scene. In 1957, he was placed second on his debut in the county novice high jump championship at Waddingtown, but went onto take the county senior and Leinster youths titles of that year. He was to remain county high jump champion for six successive years, 1957 - 1962. At provincial level he took the Leinster high jump title in 1960, and was twice runner up. .........Although specialising in the high jump, Liam had some success in other disciplines. He took the county 120 yards hurdles titles in 1959 and 1960 and was Leinster runner up in 1961. A number of runner up county championship medals also came his way in the javelin and triple jump. O'Leary also won his share of prizes at open sports meetings at such venues as Gorey, Ballymurn and Duncannon, on the strand.'

The apple didn't fall from the tree- did it?!
When I saw your post, I remembered your Dad's excerpt in that book and wondered did you know how alike you were, and perhaps didn't realise it?

I'm fascinated with the fact that so many of us in Racing795 and other clubs are second, even third generation sports people, growing up on sidelines, stands or cross country tracks and even if some of us aren't, maybe what's more important is that we're passing that love on to our own next generations. Isn't it great to pass on something so positive, enjoyable and gives them something to get them through their darkest days?

There's a little more in the book, of which I'll email you, but am wishing you, Dean and the gang all the best. Is it ok to say now that you were a very close runner up in the Spirit of the club award for last year- maybe you should come back and claim it this year?? xxx