Masters success for Cork athletes in Sweden

A trio of Cork athletes returned from the recent World Masters Athletics in Gothenburg, Sweden, sporting several medals from their outstanding performances on the track.

For Carlton Haddock, Carrigaline, Sinead O’Regan, Belgooly, and Annette Quaid, Kinsale there was no huge fanfare to greet them on their arrival to Cork airport but family members did gather to give them a hero’s welcome.

Haddock picked up a silver medal in the individual 400m and first in the 4x400m. 

"I think the top master athletes are taken seriously as we are just as competitive as the senior and junior athletes."

Similarly to those who received such national acclaim for their performances at the recent games in Paris, representing your country is a great honour. Especially when you medal.

"It’s always an honour to wear the Irish singlet.

Each time I put on the singlet it reminds me that I am representing my country and how proud I should be." 

These three athletes have to balance a hectic training schedule, along with juggling a full-time job and family life.

For Quaid, who trains six out of seven days, "consistency and having a schedule is definitely key.

“My daughters and I know where we are at for almost every hour of every day, we make it work, it’s not a hassle." 

It’s obvious it does work for the Leevale Athlete, who picked up gold in the 400m individual race and silver with the 4x400 women’s relay at the recent World Championships, adding to an already glittering array of medals from previous master events at European and World competitions.

The Limerick native was a promising runner in her teens, completing a scholarship in the University of Arkansas but drifted away from running. A chance encounter with Leevale legend, Donie Walsh, changed all that.

I was running through Cork City and Donie saw me. He said 'you look like a runner' and asked if I’d come down the track, so I did.

"I never thought, I’d ever race again after college but here I am,” she said.

TRAILBLAZERS

For O'Regan, who is a regular on the national winner’s podium for the 100m and 200m, her success came as part of the 4x400 team in Sweden, with a silver medal.

Unlike Quaid, she hadn’t had a previous athletic career past the age of 15 but had played basketball up to the age of 18.

Her involvement with Riverstick/Kinsale AC became her route of introduction to the sport as Annette convinced her to give the track a go.

Like Ireland’s recent athletic heroes who have made headlines nationals, this talented trio are trailblazers in their own right.

As for anyone thinking of making a return to repeat former glories on the track, Haddock explained there are options. 

"Consistency is the key, just keep turning up, not getting injured and you will be surprised how quick you will get your fitness back."