Coghlan: A great way to mark anniversary

Eamonn Coghlan last night described Robert Heffernan’s 50km race walk win as “a great way to celebrate” his world championships triumph on the 30th anniversary of his 5,000m gold in Helsinki.

“It is 30 years to the day since I won the world title and what a great way to celebrate it,” said Coghlan who along with Sonia O’Sullivan are the only other outdoor world champions in Irish athletics’ history.

“I’m delighted. I don’t relive it every year on the 14th of August but Robert’s victory reminded me of the feeling that you’re about to become world champion — one of the greatest feelings that a sports person can have.”

Heffernan and Coghlan have had similar experiences with both having finished a frustrating fourth at the Olympics and suffering personal tragedy before their immortal achievements.

The teak tough Togher AC walker lost his mother Maureen tragically two years ago while Coghlan carried the emotional baggage of the death of his mentors Jumbo Elliot, Gerry Farnan and his father Bill.

And the Chairman of the Boards, who carried some blades of grass from his childhood coach Farnan’s grave in his shorts on that momentous occasion in 1983, said his famous celebration when he clenched his fists as he passed the Soviet Union’s Dmitry Dmitriyev with 120 metres remaining was one of thanksgiving for all the difficult moments.

“It’s a life changing win,” said the affable Fine Gael Senator. “My gesture with 120m remaining all those years ago was one of thanks not cockiness. And Robbie knew he had his moment with a kilometre to go and entering the stadium he was able to give his own thanks. It will change his life forever and he deserves everything good that comes with it.”