Ciarán O’Lionard, RIP

Leevale AC is deeply saddened by the untimely passing of Ciarán Ó Lionáird at the age of 38. Ciarán was an exceptional athlete who represented his club, county and country with distinction, but he was equally valued as a wonderful clubman, teammate and friend. His achievements on the track inspired many, while his humility, warmth and generosity left a lasting impression on all who knew him. Ciarán will be dearly missed by his family, friends, his adopted Leevale family the Shines, and the wider athletics community.

Ciaran O’Lionard represented Ireland at the 2012 London Olympics in the 1500m. He won bronze in the 1500m at the European Youth Olympic Festival in 2005 and again won bronze in the 3000m at the 2013 European Athletics Indoor Championships.

The following are Ciaran’s own poignant words extracted from ‘Leevale Home Of Champions’

I don’t run nearly as much as I used to anymore. And when I do, the intention is vastly different from what was my norm for a long time. Today, it’s about keeping fit, as opposed to chasing short and long term goals on the track.

When I do run though, I become immersed (as I always did) in thoughts, daydreams and memories of various kinds. My mind races, even if I no longer do. Having been asked to write this brief piece, my mind wandered to the journey that the sport of running has taken me on. A journey that began in its most meaningful sense with Leevale AC, at the Mardyke track.

I came to Leevale AC as a young athlete with much to learn both on running and in life. I am beyond grateful that Der O’Donovan took a chance on me and put up with my petulance and impatience as an athlete. During my first years at Leevale, I tried to take on any and all comers in sessions. I soon learned that if I continued, Der wouldn’t punish me, he’d just ignore me. He always had a way of keeping me in check, and has been as much a father figure to me as anyone in my life.

I gained friends and family at Leevale during my teenage years, during some tough times in my personal life. I have to thank my Mum, my hero for bringing me to practice every Tuesday and Thursday from Toonsbridge. I loved the camaraderie at the track. Around the older lads, I started to understand how immature I was, personally and athletically. Der always treated me as an adult and I never felt anything but a peer amongst that squad, and it forced me to step my game up.

I’d like to thank the Shines too. They provided me with a home away from home and a friend in John who I see as a brother. I have so many amazing memories. Of course, there are the races, but also the sand dune sessions in Owenahincha, mile reps on the farm in a downpour on a November evening, learning and taking a lashing on the track from older lads when I tried to push the pace. These were all valuable lessons for me as I grew as an athlete. I raced, and improved. You are always held to the very highest standard at Leevale AC. No matter what you win or what your time is, Coaches can always pull from history and point out the achievements of a Leevale legend. That will put you back to work….quickly.

Leevale was the place I understood that running could get me an education. I’d pour over old editions of Track and Field News. I think I knew US geography better than Irish. Where could I end up? We talked to many coaches and schools and Der advised me to go to Florida State. I went to the University of Michigan. Of course, he was right. I ended up there in the end, and perhaps could say that I split the debt I owe to staying on course in my running career to Florida State University and Leevale.

Without this club, I do not know where I’d be. The lessons I learned in my teenage years at Leevale I’ve taken with me to this day. Winning a National Senior Title in a Leevale jersey closed an important loop for me. It was one of my proudest days on the track. I’ll always bleed black and gold. And even though I’m adamant that I’m in the early stages of retirement now, I’d be lying if I said that, during late evening jogs, I don’t think ‘we still have to win that national club cross-country title’.

Lastly, I want to say that I’ve traveled the world, been coached by NCAA Coach of the Year and a man who guided Mo Farah to multiple gold medals. I can say WITHOUT QUESTION that Der O’Donovan is one of the greatest coaching minds in the sport of athletics. What I learned under him is still something that amazes me to this day. He turned an angry, rebellious kid in me, who could have easily taken the wrong path in life and taught him that running could provide an education and a good life. I’ll never forget his generosity and selflessness in helping me.

Thank you Der.

Thank you Tony.

Thank you all at Leevale AC.

To the young athletes reading this, running can open so so many doors. You, like me will be in the driving seat of your career in time, whatever that is. For now, hop in that passenger seat, listen, learn and soak in the knowledge. There is no greater place to spend summer evenings than at the track, with your friends, with this club. We are all very lucky to have it.

 

May He Rest In Peace