My Weekend: A place to recharge the batteries? I really like Kinsale in the summertime

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your work:

My name is Colin Doyle, and I am 24-years-old. I grew up in Ballinora, Waterfall, in Cork, with my two sisters, my mom and my dad. I also attended primary school there. I later went on to Coláiste an Spioraid Naoimh in Bishopstown for my secondary education.

My athletics journey began at a young age, and I was proud to earn my first international selection at just 16, where I represented Ireland at the European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF). Following this, I faced a number of injury setbacks, which made returning to the international stage challenging.

However, through perseverance and consistent effort, I was selected in 2022 for the Irish senior men’s 4x100m relay team at the European Championships in Munich, and I have remained part of the squad since. More recently, I had the honour of competing at the 2024 European Athletics Championships in Rome.

I currently train in Cork under my head coach, Alan Mahoney, at MTU track, while also completing my strength and conditioning work with Orka gym in the city.

Alongside athletics, I recently completed a Bachelor of Science (Level 8) degree in Nutrition & Health Sciences at MTU Cork.

At present, I am working part-time as a barista while exploring opportunities as I take the next step in my professional career.

What is your ideal way to spend a Friday night?

Definitely stay in. Get comfy on the couch with a good show. I’m currently watching Taskmaster on Netflix.

Lie ins or up with the lark.. which is it for you?

Lie ins 100%. With training and getting up early for work during the week, I’ll take all the sleep I can get.

Does work creep into your weekend at all?

Yes, unfortunately. My Saturdays and Sundays consist of waking early to train in the mornings, and then work the afternoons.

If money was no object where would you head to on a weekend city break? And who would you bring with you?

One of my good school friends, and my sister, live in London so I would probably head there for the weekend. My girlfriend now lives in Edinburgh and so a trip there for the weekend has become a regular occurrence.

Closer to home, is there some place you like to head to recharge the batteries?

Not particularly, although I really like Kinsale in the summertime.

Do you like to catch up with family/friends on the weekend?

Yes, when I’m not working after training, I like to grab lunch or go for a good coffee with some of my training partners.

Do you get to indulge any hobbies? Even as a spectator?

I got a dartboard for Christmas, and it has consumed me. I also went to see the Boston Celtics play when I visited there in January and have tried to continue to follow them since. So more recently, you could say I’m a fan of basketball.

Entertain or be entertained? If it’s the latter do you have a signature dish?

Definitely be entertained. I’m happy to sit back and relax when I can. But I don’t always have that luxury… I do think I make a great pasta carbonara.

We have so many places to eat out in Cork – where are your go to spots for coffee/lunch/special meal?

Go to coffee spot, without a doubt, is Crush Coffee (in Little Island and Marina Market).

It has to be Tongued Tied in the Black Market and Oshos pub for the best sandwiches in Cork.

Sunday night comes around too fast.. how do you normally spend it?

Relaxing on the couch or playing darts!

What time does your alarm clock go off on Monday morning?

Depends if I’m working. If I am 6am. If not, then I won’t set one.

Anything else you are up to right now?

I’m currently prepping for a big summer with many races around Europe and hopefully finishing it off in Birmingham at the 2026 European championships.

I’m also searching for jobs in the food and health science sector to get my career started.