John Geoghegan’s greatest gift was that he always cared. It was a gift that he carried in both his personal life and in his role as an athletics coach. He had a unique rapport with his athletes and developed a formidable sprints and hurdles squad at Donore Harriers.
One of the last Track and Field meetings that John attended was the National League finals at Tullamore on the 20th of July 2019. It was the first time that Donore Harriers had both a men’s and women’s team contest the premier division finals. The men’s team lost out on a podium place by one point, and the women’s team by just 3. Fifteen of the athletes who represented the club on that day were directly coached by John, many of whom he mentored from the juvenile grade. Another one of his charges, Jack Raftery, was competing in the European U20 championships in Sweden on the same day.
One of the remarkable facts about John is that he did not come from an athletics background, yet he became a coach who was very highly respected in the athletics community. His enthusiasm for learning, upskilling and being innovative made John a stand-out coach. John reached to an accredited IAAF Level 4 standard.
John was also a great clubman! His vision was for Donore Harriers to have better facilities and to achieve at a higher level. He used his engineering skills to help with the upgrade and maintenance of the track; and he fully endorsed the coaching structure proposal back in 2012. John was a past member of the club’s general committee and was a strong supporter of the coaching sub-committee.
As a part of his club ethos John was always supportive and respectful of other squads/athletes at the club. My juvenile distance squad used to share the track with John’s sprinters on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Our conversation was never more than 30-seconds regarding the use of lanes, warm-up areas, etc, such was John’s willingness to facilitate others.
John was also generous with his knowledge and know-how. I remember than when the squads combined for warm-up routines on Saturday mornings John would describe the benefits of each drill with great expertise, enthusiasm, and sincerity.
One of the most relevant conversations that I had with John centred on Jack Raftery’s move from the junior distance squad to his sprints group. Again, it was a short conversation. John was curious as to how a young athlete who was training for cross-country and distance races could run 49 seconds for the 400m. To his amusement I replied: “Hills” and after a short pause “and training with Louis O’Loughlin”. He smiled approvingly. I knew that for Jack’s development as a top-class 400m athlete he needed John’s technical expertise and attention to detail.
The great pity is that John will never get the chance to see the fruits of his coaching commitment by way of national senior champions. He was taken from us far too early! What I will say is that any list of great coaches at Donore Harriers must include the name of John Geoghegan. His knowledge, his commitment, his people skills, and his reliability put him in a special category of coaches who made athletes to believe and achieve no matter their natural ability.
Every good coach has landmark days when they share in the achievements and honours attained by their athletes. John had many such days with the development and successes of athletes such as Aoife Lynch, Paul McDermott, Alex Clarkin, Jack Raftery, Zak Higgins, Lucy Hurley, Lara O’Byrne, Ciara O’Donnell, David Campbell, David Slupko, Daragh McAuley, Eva McPartlan, Sarah Lahiff, Adam Halpin, Eva Kelly, and many others.
One of the proudest days in his coaching journey was the 9th of August 2014 when Sean Lawlor (200m & relay) and Jack Rudden-Kelly (100m H) represented Ireland in the Celtic Games at Santry. Here is a link to Sean’s (inside lane) 200m race – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZXLJXxcbpc and here is a link to Jack’s (white singlet in middle) 100m Hurdles race – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwd-YjadIyQ
The last time I spoke to John was on the 3rd of October 2020. Emily brought him to the club, and he was sitting in the passenger seat of the car. One of the things that he said to me was: “I love this place, and I just want to get back”. At that time, I knew that John was going to lose his ultimate battle with the big C. It was a heart-wrenching moment. I just told John to keep being positive. The conversation reflected the fact that John endeared himself to Donore Harriers, to his friends at the club, and to the family of athletes in his sprints squad.
I briefly saw John twice more before his sad passing. On both occasions he was sitting in his wheelchair down on the track. He was surrounded by his athletes and fellow coaches. Everybody showed so much affinity for John; so much respect; yet there was a collective sense of emotional hurt. We all knew that John was where he wanted to be; on his field of dreams and longing to get back to continue his coaching mission. Unfortunately, his maker had a different plan.
John died peacefully at his home on the 14th of November 2020, surrounding by his family. He was married to Oonagh, and had 3 daughters Charlotte, Emily, and Alice.
A big thanks to all who contributed to this tribute to John.
Gerry Naughton (middle-distance coach)
POSTSCRIPT: Two of John’s family members Paul and Gerry Maher are doing a fundraiser in aid of BRAIN TUMOUR IRELAND in memory of John. Here is the link – https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/100kin1day?fbclid=IwAR0jGa37RMHfLyFVlT2PtaihmDVYcVug-kazSVvwSRZqovYjLAKuRDjYihs
EMILY GEOGHEGAN, JOHN’S DAUGHTER, ANSWERS QUESTIONS ABOUT HER FATHER
JOHN’S PLACE AND DATE OF BIRTH? October 14th, 1963, Dublin, Drumcondra
WHERE WAS JOHN EDUCATED? O’Connell’s School in Drumcondra; UCD- Engineering; Masters was done in Lean Sigma Systems in Limerick University
WHAT WAS JOHN’S MAIN CAREER PATH? Mechanical engineering
IN WHAT YEAR DID JOHN JOIN DONORE HARRIERS? 2006/2007
WHY DID HE CHOOSE DONORE HARRIERS? That credit goes to my mum, who had been looking for a running club for me. Donore Harriers had a clubhouse, and the rest is history.
WHEN AND WHY DID HE START HIS COACHING JOURNEY? I had been running at the club for a couple of years and my Dad was helping out with paperwork and entries. Then Maurice (Ahern) put out the idea of helping out with coaching…
DID JOHN PARTICIPATE IN ANY OTHER SPORTS? When he was young, he played football. He also played golf.
JOHN’S FAVOURITE ATHLETICS EVENT? Hurdles! He loved the technical side of sprints and hurdles.
WHO WERE JOHN’S COACHING AND ATHLETICS INFLUENCES? Jessica Ennis, Usain Bolt, Michael Jordan, Glen Mills.
SOCIAL
WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE WERE JOHN’S COACHING PHILOSOPHIES? Coach the person and then the athlete was a major one. Also, that you’re running against your past self as a focus to beat your PB.
WHAT WAS THE LAST BOOK JOHN READ? The Shadow Of The Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafron
WHAT WAS HIS FAVOURITE CONCERT? Michael Jackson
WHAT WERE JOHN’S FAVOURITE FILMS?
- Gladiator
- The Jason Bourne Trilogy
- Coach Carter
WHAT WAS JOHN’S FAVOURITE HOLIDAY DISTINATION? Collioure in the South of France
WHAT WERE HIS INTERESTS AWAY FROM ATHLETICS?
Supporting Rugby
Driving and listening to music
His dog Pele
Telling stories
Family and Friends
DIY … always making the job bigger than it was!
IF DESERT ISLAND DISCS ASKED JOHN TO PLAY 3 SONGS, WHAT WOULD THEY BE?
- Thin Lizzy – Dancing in the Moonlight
- ACDC – Thunderstruck
- Christy Moore – Joxer Goes to Stuttgart
HERE ARE SOME TRIBUTES FROM CLUB MEMBERS AND FRIENDS:
CHARLIE O’NEILL, CLUB PRESIDENT: I first got to know John when I became Donore Harriers President for the first time in 2008. I worked with him for three years. During that time John was a passionate representative of the junior and juvenile members of Donore Harriers.
As I was also Charman of the Dublin Athletic Board at the time, he regularly brought up suggestions and initiatives for the Board to act on too. For example, he often championed the cause of the Dublin Board organising indoor competition for junior and juvenile athletes who had no interest in competing in cross country.
Although I could see his point, the nearest indoor facility was Athlone. It proved to be too costly an undertaking, but John was having none of that and we regularly discussed the possibility. Some years later with the opening of Abbotstown, his dream was realised. Many a young Donore Harrier has now had a taste of inter-club competition indoors.
At club level, he was also of the strong opinion that our youngsters, particularly sprinters, were an untapped resource. He set about setting up a coaching structure with different coaches engaged with their specific groups but sharing knowledge and information. In my humble opinion, he was the architect of our present coaching structure. He did all this in his own quiet way and disarming smile. He made his case by reasoned argument and never lost his temper. He treated everyone he met with utmost respect. He therefore earned the respect and admiration of others. But he was also very persuasive especially at club committee meetings.
I spoke with John one Saturday morning shortly before his untimely passing, trackside at Donore. He expressed his admiration for the Dublin Board and the A.A.I. in organising track meets quickly under revised Covid-19 guidelines and he hoped that would be the beginning of things returning to normal. Before we parted company, he said to me with a broad smile “Charlie, I really miss this, watching everyone working so hard while I do feck all”
He really did miss Donore Harriers and we will miss him.
BRID GOLDEN, CHAIRPERSON OF COACHING & DEVELOPMENT AT ATHLETICS IRELAND: I had the great pleasure of getting to know John when he attended many coaching sessions, clinics, and seminars over the years. We both completed the IAAF level IV coaching course over a two-year period just a few years ago. During that time, I had the pleasure of working closely with John and a small number of other Irish coaches. We all became great friends and I write this on behalf of that wonderful IAAF Level 4 Sprints Hurdles Class of 2014.
First and foremost, John was a lovely person. He was a kind and caring man. John brought out the best in people he met. His gentle temperament and compassionate nature endeared him to all those he engaged with. His sharp intelligence and curious mind made his company enjoyable. He enriched conversations without ever dominating. A good listener, John was a good friend to all who knew him.
John’s work coaching with his beloved club Donore Harriers was inspiring. He was ambitious and wanted those athletes in his group who put their faith in him to develop to their potential. He wanted his athletes to be the best they could be. To achieve this, John continually upskilled, always striving to learn more and always endeavouring to do things as good as he possibly could. John always coached his athletes mindful of what was best for them as young people as his top priority. Nurturing the wellbeing of his athletes was equally important to John as delivering medals or pbs on the athletics circuit. John was justifiably proud of his athlete’s achievements, many going on to be successful at Leinster, national and international level.
John was a skilled and knowledgeable coach. He gave of his expertise and time generously and made a real and tangible difference to the athletics journey of so many young athletes in Donore Harriers. He was a wonderful servant to athletics who kept on giving. He never sought the limelight for himself. John inspired many athletes to follow their dreams and achieve more than they may ever have dreamed of initially.
Donore Harriers was blessed to have John as a coach. His athletes were blessed to have John as a coach. Athletics Ireland was blessed to have John as a coach.
Thanks John for your friendship and support over many years.
John will be fondly remembered and sadly missed by all of us who were blessed to have known him. Rest in peace John.
DIANNE NUNAN, PARENT, JUVENILE COACH & ADMINISTRATOR: I do remember Laura, my daughter, attending a Saturday morning session where we turned up a little too early & John welcomed us both and spent time chatting to Laura. His love for the sport and his commitment with his time & energy were so obvious.
I also recollect that in the weeks before his death when he came down to the club on Saturday mornings and always had a smile and a friendly wave for everyone.
I attended the funeral in Laurel Lodge and was struck by all the young athletes sharing their memories of John. It was really evident the influence and impact John had on all the athletes and the coaches at the club.
CIARAN O’FLAHERTY, MIDDLE-DISTANCE COACH:Although John didn’t come from an athletics background, he seemed to fit into the role of sprints coach with ease and together with his technical skills and easy-going manner he always got the best from his athletes who enjoyed big successes in championships and on the international front.
Quietly spoken but assertive John was highly respected by his athletes and peers. The big success his athletes have enjoyed in the relative short time he was coach is testament to how good John was in the role. His legacy lives on!
LARA O’BYRNE, MULTI-EVENTS ATHLETE: I always thought he was a lovely man because he would always stop for a chat and would tell me how well I was doing at competitions as he would with lots of other athletes. I came to John’s group in 2017 and he was my hurdles and sprints coach. He took me under his wing even though I was a Heptathlete. I really enjoyed training with John as we got on so well and clicked straight away. He done his best for me and even with Shot Put he used his knowledge of maths to figure out the angles I should be at. He was such an intelligent man and was very witty too! I was the first Heptathlete that he trained, and he went out of his way to help me. John will be missed so much by athletes, coaches, and parents.
FLORENCE CURLEY, WOMEN’S XC & ROAD CAPTAIN & CLUB CAPTAIN: I first encountered John when he came on to the club committee years ago. He started off as a parent who got into coaching kind of by accident, but he quickly became a really important part of a sprint group which was just developing. At many a Monday night meeting I came to be very impressed with John’s calm and considered contribution. He was always a rock of sense at those meetings and you always need people like that in a club. The whole excellence of that sprint group grew thanks in big part of John’s flair and insight as a coach.
The success of his sprinters was one of the big reasons the Donore Harriers women team became such a force in the National League as the years went on. I remember the bad old days when we were so thin on sprinters, but that all changed, and John was a big part of that progression. I have memories of him at the various league rounds and finals with his athletes and being very proud when they performed well!
Every Tuesday night in wintertime while the endurance group were training laps of track, John was always there without fail in all weathers. He became such a familiar presence, part of the fabric of the club. His quiet and assured presence is still so missed! I hope his great coaching legacy will live on.
LEONIE NEWMAN (JUVENILE SECRETARY), RAY O’KEEFFE (SPRINTS & HURDLES COACH) & ROBYN O’KEEFFE (ATHLETE): We first met John when we joined Donore Harriers 13 years ago. We have such great memories that will stay with us! From the long cold nights down on the track, to sunnier times at competitions up and down the country. And from juvenile competitions, to progressing to national league finals.
His vision for his athletes was matched by his vision for the club and its facilities. It was a dream of his that Donore Harriers would become a powerhouse of Irish track and field athletics. Whether it was a first final, a Dublin medal, a National medal, or an Irish vest John always greeted his athletes with the great enthusiasm and was always on hand with expert advice.
We remember well John’s last time to spectate an event. It was in Tullamore for the National League final in 2019. Both men and women finished just outside the medals, but that did not matter. John got a front row seat upstairs and really enjoyed watching his athletes doing so well. He joked that he was in the VIP seats.
JACK RAFTERY, 400m ATHLETE: Multiple memories stand out to me from John. From his dislike to any form of “modern” music I played down on the track, to claiming my PB of 48.71 in Belgium. That was the result of his expert coaching exactly one week after I left the middle-distance squad.
I made an ecstatic call to John minutes after winning the National Junior 400m title in 2019. Whilst John himself was beyond congratulatory at the result and the confirmation that I would be going to the U20 Europeans in Sweden.
John always kept a steady head. A quiet reassuring presence always thinking long term, never stressing about an athlete having themselves a poor session or a poor race. All was seen as a steppingstone. John knew how to both coach and communicate with us phenomenally. No matter the problem John knew how to fix it and find the upside. The future was always going to be bigger and brighter with him, and I hope to carry that on for him.
DECLAN RAFTERY, PARENT & SPRINTS COACH: I didn’t know John that well – I also remember the first time I think I actually talked to him when he did say to me that “Jack was a great runner…but had s@%t taste in music”! He created an amazing group of sprinters in Donore Harriers that are a great group of friends that support and joke with each other while also putting in the hard training sessions. The respect all of the sprints group have for John speaks volumes of the type of person John was and how much they trusted him.
ANNE CURLEY, ATHLETE AND FORMER CLUB TREASURER & DIRECTOR: John joined us and got involved in the juvenile group when I was based in London. I returned in 2008 when the track was not long built. There was great excitement and real sense of good things to come at that time. John had a huge input in getting the project to completion with Maurice Ahern. I knew that John got initially involved with our developing juvenile group in the mid 2000’s as a parent volunteer. I wasn’t too aware of what was going on with the juveniles at the time as I was too immersed in my own training with Jim Mc’s senior women’s group. The first time I became aware of John was at an AGM in 2009. He had established himself as a coach and I was struck by how genuine and serious he was about his plans and visions for the younger group. It was a particularly nasty AGM, but he brought an air of calm to the proceedings. He had no agenda to score points against people only a plan of action. He made an impression on me that night and you knew you were listening to a good and genuine man. People like John are what any club needs. No personal agendas, no favouritism, only committed to the success of the club and the wellbeing of the athletes. I just don’t know why the good people like John get taken from us when they are so badly needed. I didn’t know John well, but I knew enough to know he was a special man. He will be a huge loss to our Donore family, but like all great mentors he has left a great legacy behind him and a place in our history books.
SEAN LAWLOR, FORMER CLUB ATHLETE: I was first introduced to John around September of 2009, having moved from a primarily juvenile / beginners training group. One of my earliest and fondest memories with John was at the All-Ireland juvenile indoor championships, Nenagh, 2010. Unfortunately, due to work commitments, John could not make it on the day. However, following a brief phone call with John before the heats in the ‘warm-up area’ of Nenagh, I was reassured of my ability and reminded of the months of hard work put in prior to getting there. From then on, the rest was history. I went on to win All Ireland Gold in the U.13 boys 60m, beating the reigning 2-year champion at the time. What made this a particularly memorable moment is the fact that, for me, it was my first time winning a national title, whilst for John, it was the first time one of his athletes had won an All-Ireland gold medal. When my mother rang John in elation saying: “he won, he won, he won!”. John, in true John style, simply asked “What was the time?!”, – a response which was testament to John’s keen eye for detail and inherently cool, calm and collected manner. This was a trait in John that not only made the good days better, but also the bad days more manageable.
JACK RUDDEN-KELLY, FORMER CLUB ATHLETE: There is no way to accurately articulate the impact John had on me as a young boy. John was a great man. He cared so much for all his athletes reaching far beyond just athletics. He had an incredibly formative influence on both my sporting and academic life. From a young age he instilled the discipline in me to work hard towards my athletic goals, as well as inspiring me to study mechanical engineering. He always gave so generously of his time and his dedication to the club went leaps and bounds beyond what was asked of him. He was a massive inspiration in my life, and I will always cherish the times I spent with him as both a mentor and my dear friend.
IN THIS PART OF THE TRIBUTE SPRINTS SQUAD ATHLETES – DAVID CAMPBELL, AOIFE LYNCH, PAUL McDERMOTT, AND ADAM HALPIN – ANSWER SPECIFIC QUESTIONS ABOUT COACH JOHN.
WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE WERE JOHN’S COACHING PHILOSOPHIES?
DAVID CAMPBELL:The best thing about John was the fact that he knew a one size fits all approach doesn’t work for athletes. He dedicated time and energy both on and off the track to help get the very best out of his athletes. This also related to aspects outside of athletics such as their education in secondary school and college.
John always strived to get the best out of a person, to help them grow as an individual and the only thing he asked in return was that they give it their all come race day.
AOIFE LYNCH: If I could choose one quote to summarise John’s coaching philosophy, it would be “control the controllables”. By that I mean he would constantly remind us to run our own best race and not worry about anyone else’s. Whenever I’d be flustered by my competitors posting fast times or
entering a certain competition, he’d be there to tell me that I can’t
control what others do, so just to focus on myself and what I know.
PAUL McDERMOTT: I feel as though john instilled many philosophies throughout the years that I knew him. The one main core element was the work ethic. He wanted every session that was done to be given 100 percent effort or it was not worth doing.
WHAT WAS YOUR BEST ACHIEVEMENT(S) WHILST UNDER THE COACHING TUTELAGE OF JOHN?
DAVID CAMPBELL: I still class John as my coach right now and I’m confident the best is still yet to come in terms of my athletics achievements. The 2021 season will be our groups special way of thanking John for all his dedication over the years by delivering plenty of memorable performances. We’ll be wearing a ribbon for John on our singlets, and I guarantee it will give us all the extra boost to exceed all expectations!
AOIFE LYNCH: Lausanne Diamond League 4x100m relay team member 2018.
PAUL McDERMOTT: Funny enough my best achievement under John was not my PB run or even becoming a national champion. My biggest achievement was when I first came down and we both made a plan that I would try break 22 seconds for the 200m. When it finally came after months of work, I think we both cherished that achievement the most out of all.
WHAT ADVICE DID JOHN GIVE YOU BEFORE A PARTICULAR COMPETITION? DAVID CAMPBELL:The message was always to go out there and have fun. John would have you filled with confidence the final session before race day knowing that you’ve worked extremely hard throughout the year and it’s your time to shine on race day!
AOIFE LYNCH: “Control the controllables”. By that I mean he would constantly remind us to run our own best race and not worry about anyone else’s.
Whenever I’d be flustered by my competitors posting fast times or entering a certain competition, he’d be there to tell me that I can’t control what others do, so just to focus on myself and what I know.
PAUL McDERMOTT: John never had many words before a competition as he felt the work was done and there was nothing left to do. Except in one race in which I had an awful run in my heat but managed to make it to the final. Somehow, I was so nervous to run bad again, so John took me aside and said to “Just run, it’s not that hard” and funny enough after this my nerves settled, and I went out and ran one of my best races.
DO YOU HAVE ANY FUNNY OR INTERESTING STORY RELATING TO JOHN?
DAVID CAMPBELL: The week Jack Raftery joined John’s group he got one block session in before he headed off with the Irish Junior team to compete in a 400m and 4x400m relay at Mannheim, Germany. Jack ended up running a huge PB in the 400m flat and on the following Tuesday night John shook his hand and said, “Just remember that was only after one session with me, imagine how fast I’ll make you run after a full week’s training”.
AOIFE LYNCH: When I was in my Leaving Cert year, I had to take on extra Maths grinds which occurred on a Saturday morning as it was the only time that suited my teacher. I hated missing training and in order to resolve this,
John offered to read and correct my maths homework whenever I needed as an alternative to the extra grinds. It really showed me how much time he was willing to put into his athletes on and off the track.
DO YOU REMEMBER SOMETHING FUNNY THAT JOHN TOLD YOU? HE WAS A VERY WITTY PERSON!
DAVID CAMPBELL: One Saturday morning I was jogging back to the Donore Harriers clubhouse after a session in the park with Gerry Naughton’s group and I spotted John in the car park. He shouts over to me saying “Want to see something funny?” I jogged over to John and he told me to look left. All I could see were athletes sprawled out across the track with no movement but plenty of groans. When I asked what happened to them, he replied “The Lactic Sniper”.
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE SESSION COACHED BY JOHN?
DAVID CAMPBELL: Blocks off the bend on a hot Summer night, you can’t beat it!
AOIFE LYNCH: Flying 30’s – if I clocked a fast time, he’d stand there silent and hold it up for me to read the time myself (which meant I’d done a good job).
PAUL McDERMOTT: My favourite session coached by John would be the time that it was just me and him on the track and we were doing 3 x 150s flat out. He was hoping I could dip into the 16 seconds – and on the final one we hit it, which just made it a great day!
ADAM HALPIN: This is an interesting question! Some of my favourite sessions given by John were some of the hardest sessions. One session I love doing is 350m, 400m and 425m session with a long recovery in between. I love this session because I always get anxious the same way I would before a race. One of my favourite feelings is getting ready to race. The feeling of the adrenaline rush when you’re at the start line and ready to go just puts me in great form. Another reason why I love this session is the group I have around me. Everyone just wants the best for each other and to push each other past our limits, which is an ethos instilled by John. I feel so lucky to have made friends and be involved in such a friendly atmosphere, which is down to John.
HOW MUCH DID JOHN IMPACT YOUR INVOLVMENT IN ATHLETICS?
DAVID CAMPBELL:John always played a huge role especially with the National League Squads. He’s coached athletes that won Gold, Silver and Bronze in this competition over the years and always was extremely supportive to me when trying to get the best squad out on the day. One thing I really liked about John was the fact he always put the athletes first. He treated everyone with respect and any decisions he made were always in their best interest at heart. Aoife Lynch is a prime example of this. John coached Aoife for years where she won multiple National titles, represented Ireland at the European Championships and she even got to compete at a prestigious Diamond League meet.
AOIFE LYNCH: Oftentimes John would give me a lift to training or competitions or meet me at the track to do a 1-on-1 session at a time that suited me if I couldn’t make the usual evening slot due to school or work. If I ever apologised for this or thanked him for being there without fail, he’d just say “Don’t thank me, you’re the one that’s done the work, I just write the sessions” or “Don’t apologise, I love this!” It’s only hit me recently how much he genuinely loved the sport and how much joy it brought him in return, so I hope to embody this in my future pursuits – to compete and participate in athletics for enjoyment first and medals second.
PAUL McDERMOTT: I think John impacted my involvement in athletics so much. Indeed, he impacted my life as a whole. When I first started athletics, I did not put in the work as I was naturally fast. However, John made me put in the work and taught me that you got to work for success – and that no one hands you out anything on a plate. I have taken this ethos, even in my personal life.
WHAT SONG REMINDS YOU OF JOHN?
DAVID CAMPBELL: It would have to be Elvis Presley – A Little Less Conversation. John was always up for athletes having a laugh on the track but when warm up and drills were finished it was showtime. As the song goes “A Little Less Conversation, A Little More Action”.
WHAT WAS THE HARDEST SESSION THAT JOHN GAVE YOU TO DO?
DAVID CAMPBELL: The dreaded 375m – 400m – 425m. It’s horrendous, even just thinking about it now. I can safely say that every athlete fears this one. If you go out too fast on the first rep you’re done! It is one of those sessions that you need to make sure you’ve had your Weetabix that morning!
AOIFE LYNCH: 100m, 200m, 300m, 200m, 100m
PAUL McDERMOTT: John always had some tough sessions but one day I think he was trying to be funny when he gave us 3 x 150m 3 times and then a 250m. I don’t think anyone could finish it, and at the end he smirked and said it might have been a little much.
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE AWAY TRIP WITH JOHN, EITHER TO A RACE, DAY TRIP OR TRAINING CAMP? PLEASE EXPLAIN WHY?
DAVID CAMPBELL: Our warm weather training camp to Monte Gordo, Portugal a few years ago. It was honestly one of the best weeks we’ve ever had with the group and it genuinely made us feel like one big family. Whether it was putting in fast track sessions in the hot sun, jumping off a waterfall in a tropical paradise we discovered or the group going out for those famous “Waffles” in the Burger Ranch each night…we had a blast! We were living the high life and it gave us a great insight into the lifestyle of professional track & field athletes.
PAUL McDERMOTT: We once went to this training day thing that was on in Athlone. It was just three athletes and John. We realised very quickly that it was very basic course on how to use blocks and wasn’t really for us. Afterwards we stopped for food and we just got to talk to John. As I was new to athletics at that time and appreciated learning so much from John on that day.
ADAM HALPIN: My favourite trip would definitely have to be our training camp to Portugal. I’ve very fond memories of when we went in 2018. It was all the laughs we had, but then there was some amount of hard work put in by all the athletes. One night that sticks out the most is the game night. His daughter Emily had this game called fishbowl and all that comes to mind is how competitive David Campbell is to the point where it was hilarious. A lot of laughs were shared that night with the crew. I’m happy to have a memory like that with John and the amazing family of athletes that he blended.
DID JOHN EVER TALK TO YOU ABOUT HIS FAVOURITES, AND WHAT
WERE THEY?
AOIFE LYNCH: Yes, his favourite athletes were Dina Asher Smith and Jessica Ennis.
PAUL McDERMOTT: I don’t know of any coaches that John admired, but he was always trying to learn new methods of training on how he could help his athletes to get better. He studied the sport to the finest detail and took inspiration from many different sources to create his own coaching style.
ADAM HALPIN: He never told me his favourite team, but he did make it obvious. It was Chelsea FC!
WHAT WOULD HAVE BEEN YOUR FINAL FAREWELL TO JOHN?
DAVID CAMPBELL: We were very lucky to have John down with us on the track for Saturday morning sessions late last year. It lit up everyone’s face seeing John and I gave it 110% at all sessions when he was down. I loved the fact that he was still well able to give me pointers to work on and he was always so positive. We’re all so motivated to do John proud this year more than ever and it’s been something I’ve used to keep me going throughout lockdown training. We’ll get a chance to race later this year, we don’t know when exactly but when we do, we’ll do everything we can to end up on that podium and bring home National medals for John!
AOIFE LYNCH: The last proper athletics-related conversation we had was during the summer, after I’d run the national senior 200m final and won a medal. He rang me on the phone and sounded so happy, and it was the first
time in ages that he’d been able to see me race and give me feedback. I
spoke to him once or twice after that conversation but that particular
phone call will always stay fresh in my mind.
PAUL McDERMOTT: I thought about this question for a while, and I think my final farewell would have been to just sit with him and talk about everything and anything and remember some of the memories that I shared with him. To just be able to go on for hours about athletics and his life would be the best farewell I think I could give him.
ADAM HALPIN: My final farewell would be just to let John know how much he meant to me. I got into athletics on a bit of a fluke and I never thought it’d be a sport I’d take to. But with that said, it was the best fluke that ever happened to me. I got to meet someone who was one of the best mentors. I still struggle with my confidence from time to time, but John has done so much for me as a person growing up through my childhood since I was 13 years of age.
The best lesson I gained from John is the value of hard work and discipline. I’m currently in my 2nd Year of College to become an Athletic Therapist and it’s a course where a lot of hard work needs to be put in. I hope someday I can give something back to Donore Harriers and to help people in the same way that John helped me.
REST IN PEACE JOHN.
