‘She inspired us to compete with the best in the world’

A text message at 9:33am yesterday morning from Derval O’Rourke signalled the end of a glittering career for one of Ireland’s most medalled athletes.

Having trained with Derval sporadically the last couple of years, she sent me a message to let me know there was a press release being sent to announce her retirement and that she didn’t want to do any media as she was feeling too raw.

The announcement was a sad day for me, and more importantly Irish athletics and the sporting public, but she has provided many great memories and inspired a host of athletes to believe in themselves and compete on the world stage.