A thrice-participant in the Olympics and silver medal recipient representing Ireland in sailing at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro games, now serves as a pundit for RTÉ’s telecast of the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games. On temperament, she avows an easy-going nature, recognising the futility in fussing over circumstances beyond one’s control, striving to uphold this perspective in her daily existence.
She bears the middle name, Elizabeth, chosen to honour her grandmother Betty who approaches her 95th birthday this August 17th. Her most cherished locale in Ireland encompasses the water, with a particular affinity for West Cork. The entire southwestern coastline captivates her due to her passion for sailing, though on terra firma, Ticknock steals her heart. An early morning cycle to witness the sunrise at this tranquil spot, situated near the heart of the city, is an occasional indulgence.
In a trio of words, this Olympian paints a portrait of herself as cheerful, competitive, and approachable. Her most recent memory of irritation engendered during a cycle race on the weekend, acknowledging that competing in biking and sailing events tends to stir her less pleasant traits. In regards to missing items, she rarely loses anything and believes that forgotten items often do not hold as much significance as initially perceived.
A poignant memory from her youth involves attending sailing events nationwide and camping in accompanying fields. An event in Wexford holds a particular resonance, when the rain was so torrential she felt herself floating atop her inflatable bed. She occupies the middle position amongst her siblings with an elder sister and younger brother. As a child, she found inspiration in her sister’s accomplishments, developing ambitions to replicate them.
In contemplation of her mortality, she admits to not pondering much about the posthumous phase, instead choosing to focus on embracing life in the moment, undeterred by the judgement of others. As uncertainty shrouds the future, she advocates seizing available opportunities.
When reflecting on her peak of happiness, she chose to remain silent.
I derive immense joy from spending time in nature, remaining cheerful for the majority of my existence. There have been however, two significant instants when my delight was simply immeasurable – securing the second position at the Olympic Games held in Rio and when I received the marriage proposal last year.
If a film was crafted on my life, who do you visualise as the protagonist?
It’s unlikely my life would inspire an engaging screenplay, but if a chance did arise, I would prefer the talented Irish artist Caitríona Balfe to represent me.
Have you ever experienced regret in your professional or personal endeavours?
My recollection of the Tokyo Olympic Games is laced with the bitterness of disappointment; I indeed feel I squandered a golden chance. And yet, as the past is irrevocable, it is the lessons learnt from failures that truly matter. Life doesn’t always offer the outcomes we desire, but the journey is immensely enlightening.
Any peculiar psychological traits you possess?
Not to my knowledge. Though I do possess a strong inclination for physical exercise. Some may consider this extreme, but for me, a perfect day is epitomised by a five-hour bike ride across the exquisite landscapes of Wicklow.