It is under populated, has lush green countryside and most
importantly is a member of the European Union, who would not want to head to
Ireland. I packed my bags and made the twelve hour overnight drive through
Wales and across the Irish channel to Rosslare, before heading north up to
Limerick. No this was not an attempt to find a long lost relative in the hope
of claiming an Irish passport, instead I am here in a work capacity.
This has to be one of my less exotic working destinations
although it is incredibly refreshing to have the independence of my own car and
therefore as many pairs of shoes and of course my bicycle all packed in. I am
often guilty of extending my work trips for a few days of travelling so thought
I should treat Ireland no differently. My bags are packed for a road trip
adventure, now I am just hoping the Emerald Isle stops living up to its
reputation, I am bored of this grey wet weather and potatoes.
I have spent far too many hours in my car these last few
weeks. The diary planning has not been too efficient including journeys to
Northeast Norfolk, East Kent, London and Portsmouth all with appointments back
in Devon in between. My second trip to the capital was for a humbling
experience, I was invited to be part of the graduation ceremony at Brunel
University to receive an honorary fellowship. I was almost lost for words during
my acceptance speech, a problem I rarely encounter. The award is just another
example of how much sport has given me, the opportunities it has provided and
the exciting future it has opened up. I was not alone in receiving a fellowship
related to sport this year, it is so encouraging to see that academic
endeavours are not the sole focus for Universities. Let us continue to
celebrate sport and the power it can have on all of us.
