Kerry’s Olympic bid receives major boost

Kerry’s Olympic bid receives major boost

9 December 2015

NEWCASTLE’s Kerry O’Flaherty is jumping for joy after securing a much-needed sponsorship deal.

The 34 year-old has been given an early Christmas present as she prepares for next summer’s Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

With the help of three Downpatrick businesses – McGrady Insurance, M.B McGrady & Co Chartered Accountants and McGrady Financial Services – Kerry will be able to fund months of altitude training in the Pyrenees.

Kerry has already made the qualifying time for the 3000 metres steeplechase and this weekend she takes part in the European Cross Country Championships in the south of France.

Kerry says altitude training is essential for top athletes.

“In 2009 I decided to follow my dream of reaching an Olympics and since then, have committed 100 per cent to reaching Rio 2016,” she explained.

“To perform at the highest level, you have to be absolutely dedicated 24/7, therefore there’s not the normal security of employment for living expenses, travels etc,” she said.

“The support of all three McGrady businesses will help to ensure that I can train in Font Romeu in the Pyrenees mountains after Easter, and I’m incredibly grateful for their support as it will help me get into the best shape possible for achieving my goal.” 

With limited funding available, Kerry reached out to local businesses in a bid to help her to realise her dream of attending the 2016 Olympics.

The signs are good, and by reaching Rio, Kerry will become one of very few athletes from Northern Ireland competing on the world’s greatest sporting platform.

Kerry has been training seven days a week for the last six years and at 34, this may be her last opportunity to go to an Olympics. 

Fintan McGrady, managing director with McGrady Insurance, said: “We’re immensely proud to be funding a central part of Kerry’s preparation for Rio. Her drive and determination are admirable and all three businesses are 100 per cent behind Kerry’s efforts.

“We’ll be following Kerry’s progress and our teams are hopeful of seeing a local girl from Newcastle achieve her dreams on the world stage come August 2016.” 

Malachy McGrady, a partner with M B McGrady & Co Chartered Accountants, is also delighted to be associated with Kerry.

“Over the years, our businesses have grown in Downpatrick thanks to our community and their ongoing custom. Therefore, when we heard about a local athlete, who was the first in 16 years to reach the track and field qualifying time for the Olympics, we felt that it right to step up and help Kerry to represent Co. Down, Northern Ireland and Ireland in Rio.

“By joining forces with McGrady Insurance and McGrady Financial Services, we’ve been able to increase our donation, and we’re thrilled to be able to help Kerry on her ‘Road to Rio,” he added.

Philip McCrickard, managing director of McGrady Financial Services, said: “As a member of Newcastle Athletics Club, I’ve been following Kerry’s progress over the last few years, and the grit and determination that she’s shown to be the very best is hugely inspiring.

“Kerry has already achieved so much, representing Ireland across the world, and as local business owners we’re proud to be supporting one of Ireland’s finest athletes.”