Tag Archives: son

Adam’s Comeback Run

Very proud of Adam this morning who accompanied me on a short run, his first since knee reconstruction surgery last November to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament. This was a big moment in his rehabilitation programme and he passed with flying colours. experiencing no pain or reaction to the session. He’s been working hardContinue reading “Adam’s Comeback Run”

Night Out At The Rugby

Adam and I were treated by Fionnuala to two tickets to watch the Ulster v Connacht PRO 14 match at the Kingspan Stadium in Belfast last night. It was a surprisingly mild evening so the extra layers were hardly needed and we found a great spot in the sell out crowd to watch the action.Continue reading “Night Out At The Rugby”

A Chilly Morning At The Rugby

Bitterly cold morning but it doesn’t stop Adam and I from following Lurgan College’s 1st XV, home and away. They played two of the powerhouse Ulster schools today, Ballymena Academy and Campbell College. Pitted against their 2nd XV squads the boys played out of their skins winning one game 10-0 while drawing the next 7-7.Continue reading “A Chilly Morning At The Rugby”

Big Day For Adam

A super exciting morning as Adam scored his first try for Lurgan College’s 1st XV in a 50-0 win away at Royal Belfast Academical Institute. After last week’s narrow loss this was a richly deserved win for the boys. I was bursting with pride at the final whistle and our normally camera shy sporting starContinue reading “Big Day For Adam”

Congratulations Adam

Congratulations to this young man. Our eldest hatchling, Adam, received his GCSE results today, passing all 10 subjects he sat. This means he will be returning to Lurgan College to begin his ‘A’ level studies in September. We are all very proud of his achievement which exceeded all expectations. He studied hard, though, and deservedContinue reading “Congratulations Adam”

Happy Birthday Adam

A belated Happy Birthday the big lad himself, our son Adam, who turned 17 yesterday. We celebrated with a family BBQ which he oversaw himself. On Saturday he has invited some friends over for more of the same. It’s a well deserved break given he has studied so hard these last few months for hisContinue reading “Happy Birthday Adam”

Dreams Of My Father

I lost my father eight years ago to prostate cancer. Since then, I’ve tried to keep memories of him alive. I’ve run marathons in honour of him, written a book where his legacy is touched upon, even had his name tattooed on my forearm. But I’ve rarely dreamed of him. Which has always puzzled me,Continue reading “Dreams Of My Father”

Waking Up Hungover When I Haven’t Been Drinking

Last night, after dinner, Adam and I went to the park to work on his rugby skills. The new season is less than three weeks away and he is pushing for a place in the first team this season where he would be playing against boys two years older than him. I say boys butContinue reading “Waking Up Hungover When I Haven’t Been Drinking”

I’ve Got The Doms – Part Two

Yesterday I wrote about my doomed attempt to build a chiselled physique becoming of my kick ass, marathon running persona. Alas, despite the best efforts of my ever patient son Adam, I failed miserably and crawled away from my first weight session in years a broken man. Far from looking like a Greek God myContinue reading “I’ve Got The Doms – Part Two”

I’ve Got The DOMS – Part One

Regular readers will know that I’m a distance runner. Ask me to run 10 miles, or 26.2 miles for that matter, and I will dutifully churn out the 9 minute miles until the job is done. Four years of this self imposed torture has meant I have developed strong leg muscles. But don’t worry. I’mContinue reading “I’ve Got The DOMS – Part One”

Happy Birthday Adam!

It’s a big day of celebration today in Aghalee, Northern Ireland. Nothing to do with that business Philadelphia 242 years ago when a bunch of blokes in wigs signed a bit of paper. No, today our Adam celebrates his 16th birthday. He has grown about a foot in the last year and can bench pressContinue reading “Happy Birthday Adam!”

Happy Father’s Day

All around the world today people are celebrating Fathers and in our house today we will be celebrating Stephen. Stephen has been my rock this week and I couldn’t have got through it without him. The kids and myself are so proud of him at how he has turned his life around for us andContinue reading “Happy Father’s Day”

The Torch Bearer

My father was a great man. Not a perfect man but a great one, nonetheless. He had flaws but part of his greatness was that he recognised and embraced them. He knew he wasn’t perfect so took positive action to rectify them. Most of the time he was successful at this, sometimes not, but everyContinue reading “The Torch Bearer”

A Walk In The Snow

‘The Beast From The East’ hit Northern Ireland with a vengeance today. We awoke to a carpet of white and it has continued to snow heavily all day. Sub zero temperatures combined with a brutal wind chill factor have just added to the fun & games. As usual the country has descended into utter chaos.Continue reading “A Walk In The Snow”