Everybody has a role model. Somebody they have fond memories of, reminds them of a funny story that put a secret smile on their face, a person who through their own endeavours moulds one into somebody and maybe even a mini-them.
It might not come as much of a surprise to you that I was never a tall, physically strong person. In leaving cert, there were first years taller than me. I never made the first team in hurling, football or rugby and I never drove the ball as far as the other kids. But I was at every training session and every golf lesson with the never give up attitude that was instilled in me.
In September 1984 an individual could be seen running the Ennis roads, resembling Woody Allen. His mission was to run the Cork City marathon the following June. At the same time he was known around Ennis for his performances on stage with the Ennis Players and in the Golf Club as being a competitor to be reckoned with.
It might not come as much of a surprise to you that I was never a tall, physically strong person. In leaving cert, there were first years taller than me. I never made the first team in hurling, football or rugby and I never drove the ball as far as the other kids. But I was at every training session and every golf lesson with the never give up attitude that was instilled in me.
In September 1984 an individual could be seen running the Ennis roads, resembling Woody Allen. His mission was to run the Cork City marathon the following June. At the same time he was known around Ennis for his performances on stage with the Ennis Players and in the Golf Club as being a competitor to be reckoned with.
I went to a lot of GAA matches when I was young and still remember running hand in hand with my Dad as he took his long walking strides. The traffic jams coming back from Thurles, sitting on his knee watching Jack O’ and the Bomber Liston in Pairc Ui Chaoimh and in Croke Park. Being in the Gaelic grounds when Martin Daly scored the goal against Kerry in ’92 and seeing the joyous tears when Clare won the All-Ireland in ’95. I caddied for him when he won the Knox Cup in 1990 and sat with pride as his production of Caitlin Ni Houlihan was put on stage in the Abbey theatre for its centenary celebration in 2003.
In the Cork City marathon of 1985, my Dad ran a still standing Finn record of 3hrs 25 mins and 33 seconds. Its now 2012 and my personal resume shows that I’ve been on stage 4 times, have won golf competitions, have had my Dad caddy for me, I’ve 3 marathons ran but that record time still eludes me. Have I been moulded?
Next week my Dad, John, is competing in the Limerick marathon. Keep and eye out for him, give him the shouts of encouragement. If you meet him on the road say hello, he might just be able to help you along too and remember your own role model.
JWalkin
In the Cork City marathon of 1985, my Dad ran a still standing Finn record of 3hrs 25 mins and 33 seconds. Its now 2012 and my personal resume shows that I’ve been on stage 4 times, have won golf competitions, have had my Dad caddy for me, I’ve 3 marathons ran but that record time still eludes me. Have I been moulded?
Next week my Dad, John, is competing in the Limerick marathon. Keep and eye out for him, give him the shouts of encouragement. If you meet him on the road say hello, he might just be able to help you along too and remember your own role model.
JWalkin