Olympic send off

I had a few easy days running while I travelled back from the Europeans Championships in Amsterdam, I hadn’t been home since April (now July) and I was looking forward to seeing my family and friends before packing to head to Brazil.

Richard and I and the two whippets (who had come to the Euro Champs also but stayed with a pet sitter) arrived back in Dublin and headed straight to the OCI (Olympic Council of Ireland) to collect my Olympic Irish kit. It was like Christmas had come early and it finally hit – I’m going to the Olympics! We just about managed to get the extra cases into the already overloaded car and headed for home.

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My Birthday was approaching that week and my club had also organised a get together on the same day to wish me well for Rio. It was great to catch up with my family, friends and club mates.

Dad and D

I have been running with my club Newcastle AC for over 20 years now and I am about to become their first Olympian and possibly the first ever in the area of Mourne.

Artie

O’Hares Bar in Newcastle hosted the send off and there was not just one but two fabulous cakes made by my club mate Rita Devlin, they not only looked amazing but tasted amazing too. We all devoured the Olympic Rings and we saved the second cake for when I get back (its all wrapped up on the freezer).

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Thank you so much to my family, friends and Club – Newcastle AC for a great send off and to my Sponsors McGrady’s of Downpatrick for helping on my way to becoming an Olympian.

Next stop – Brazil!!!!!