BETTER KNOW A STABLEMATE—RAY O’CONNELL

Ray O’Connell is trying to disguise his Bolshevik tendencies.

What is your name? 

Ray.

What is your favourite colour?

Blue.

What is your favourite word?

Sine.

Who is your favourite musician?

Bob Dylan.

What is your most marked characteristic?

Honest to a fault.

What talent would you like to have?

Rock sculpture.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Running wise, the Kerry Way Ultra.

Who are your heroes in history?

None come to mind. I love Russian history, but I can’t really say Stalin is my hero.

Who are your heroes in real life?

Loads of them; anyone doing something positive that I admire. Could be a five-hour marathoner or someone working with disabled people.

What is your idea of happiness?

Sitting down at the end of the day with all jobs done, kids in bed, and run done.

Where would you most like to live?

Cork, of course.

What is your greatest extravagance?

My Garmin 945.

What is your most treasured possession?

My Garmin 945.

Why did you start running?

Had kids and needed a legitimate reason to leave the house.

What does running mean to you now?

It’s my outlet; there is work, family, and running. The three pillars of my life.

What do you like about Stazza’s Stable?

Weekly schedule, and the fact it feels like John actually monitors the runs.

What is your motto?

It is what it is.