I started my Athletics life as an 800m runner, then progressed to running the 400mH where I had some degree of success. In 1979 I won the England Schools under 17's title in a Championship Best Performance of 55.6 secs, then as a junior ran 53.17 secs. Eventually I ran 52.70 secs and represented the country of my birth, Ireland, in various events. For a number of years I hovered around the 53-54 second mark, then got promoted to Head of PE and my training had to take a back seat.

In 2000 my Son Kieran appeared and 11 years later he decided that he would like to try some Athletics, that's how, like so many others, I got back into it more seriously. Since then I have converted to throwing all sorts of implements and thoroughly enjoy what I do. Kieran has progressed nicely, despite my coaching(!!!).