Catherine O’Connor

An athlete who has a mix of all racing to her name, cross country, track & a little road ! One of the hardest working members of the club as a coach, athlete, committee member & competition secretary, read and get to know Catherine.

Name : Catherine O’Connor

Age : Born 1964 55

Work/School/College : Went to Mercy School and Loreto Wexford, UCD, now a solicitor in my own business O’Connor Mullen

Married/single/kids : Married to Senan proud parents of Roisin and Sinead and a cat Nelly

How long have you been a member of Menapians AC : Over 12 years

Interests & achievements outside athletics : I played hockey in Loreto. I was worse than useless, did a lot of running around and not scoring goals. True vocation was running. I got to know a few athletes in UCD but did not get seriously into athletics until I came back to Ireland from London in 1990 when I joined Donore Harriers. I was with Donore until I moved back to Wexford in 1993 and joined Slaney Olympic.

Favourite event : Cross country is probably my big favourite, I love the challenge of the ground and conditions. But I like a 1,500 still.

Biggest athletics achievement : One of my biggest highlights was winning the county senior cross country in 1996 on a snowy field in Drumgoold Enniscorthy. Made very special when the first person to congratulate me was Jim Redmond with his big smile and big hand shake.

Other athletics achievements : Most embarrassing athletic moment was during the national league doing my bit for Donore in the 100m hurdles. I looked across and saw that I was not last and then fell, not over a hurdle but between flights 6 and 7.

Favourite moment of your athletic career : There have been so many special moments and great friendships made over the years. It is fun at competitions now seeing the children of the people we used to compete with racing. I am always very proud to see Roisin racing in the green of Ireland.

Elaine McMahon is responsible for getting me back into club running and I joined Menapians when Roisin was 7 and started with the club…the rest is history…year after year of great fun running and coaching and competition.

Favourite track you have competed on : Favourite track was probably UCD, least favourite RSC Waterford

Least favourite track : Least favourite cross country course was Ballybofey – only about 400m of grass, rest was muck.

Who has been your inspiration both in athletics & outside athletics : I had the privilege of being coached by the great Jim McNamara in Donore – a true gentleman and great coach and mentor

Post training snack : Post race food definitely banana

Some unusual facts about yourself : I picked coffee beans for three weeks in Nicaragua, I love training with a group. All of our holidays are peppered with memories of long runs in beautiful places. No better way to see nature than the long rambly run.