Fergus Finlay: Everyone who takes part in the Community Games grows stronger

Paul O'Connell signs the Aldi Doodle wall during day 1 of the Aldi Community Games in 2018.

Despite the public address announcements elsewhere at the track, it was really tense and quiet beside the throwing area. We were there for Katie (she’s my granddaughter), and we were all nervous. And the heat! The hottest place in Ireland over the last two days was Carlow, and that’s where we were. It was beating down, and it affected everyone.

It was the national finals of the Community Games, held in the quite magnificent athletics facility attached to the South East Technical University. Several thousand youngsters were there, representing their families and their counties. It was a classic track and field setup with the full range of competition from under 8 boys and girls to under 16s.