Cork's 80-year-old world masters champion still long way from finish line

What keeps Michael Kiely running at 80? “The number one thing is you maintain your health better,” he says.

Blarney native Michael Kiely stands on the podium after winning gold in the over-80s 800m at the World Masters Indoor Championships. Pic: Michael Cornyn

To prepare for winning a world title, Michael Kiely would take a lawnmower out into the field by his house in Shanballymore, Co Cork. Then he’d push it through the long grass, butchering away until he’d carved out a 400-metre lane.

“The big problem is the rabbits,” he says. “They’d come along digging holes and I fill them in, only they’d dig them again the next day.”