Relaying athletic message at HQ

THE Gaelic Athletic Association went back to its roots on Sunday.

Athletics was given perspective and opportunity in Croke Park with the symbolic relay race on the famous sod and the honouring of world silver medallist, Olive Loughnane.

That emotional link with our roots and athletics is something the GAA could and should cultivate more. It was fitting in a day of nostalgia and remembrance that Cork should take centre stage. Derval O’Rourke showed real fighting qualities in the world championship finals. Cork showed the same on Sunday when in a power-packed performance, they overwhelmed the All-Ireland champions, Tyrone. The other great lady of athletics achievement in Berlin, Olive is a native of Galway. She lives in Coachford in Cork and was given a huge welcome not only in Croke Park but also as she was led through Coachford with her world championship medal in great style.