Today was an early start as our bowlers started leaving the hotel before 7am.  The weather started off damp so the track & field competitors were apprehensive.  However, when it came time for the programme to begin it was as if someone turned off the rain and brought out the sun instead.  We had very nice weather for the day.

The medals started coming in early and are listed below:

Track & Field:

100m                John Loftus                 Gold

100m                Darren Cawley             Gold

100m                Chikoyo White             Silver

100m                Marie O’Connor            Silver

100m                Catherine Murphy         Gold

Ball Throw         John Loftus                  Bronze

Ball Throw         Chikoyo White             Silver

Ball Throw         Darren Cawley             Gold

Ball Throw         Bridie Nicholson          Gold

400m                Darren Cawley             Gold

400m                James Nolan               Silver

Bowling:

Singles             Deirdre Faul                 Silver

Singles             James Hannon             Silver

Doubles            Daniel McCarthy           Bronze

Doubles            James Hannon             Bronze

It was a FANTASTIC day!  As usual it was characterised by Irish good spirit and enthusiasm. 

In the evening there was an opportunity for members of the public to run in a 5km road race connected to the Games.  Emma McHenry (fiancée to James Nolan) and I decided that we would give it a go.  Emma ran a fantastic race to be the first woman to cross the line.  I came third overall.  We were clearly benefitting from the positive vibes that come from being part of Team Ireland.

Our Team meeting was great as we all came together to celebrate the successes of the team.

Tomorrow is the last day of competition with everyone down on the track.  We are involved in the Walking events and some of the track races.  The day will be topped of with a Gala Dinner that will bring all the athletes together for the final time, these Games, to celebrate new life.

We are due to land in Dublin airport a 5.10pm on Sunday on flight LH4982 from Frankfurt.  The team is looking forward to meeting family and friends.

Colin.