'What next?' is my daily question. January 2014, started running (of a sort) via the Couch to 5k programme, eventually managed 5k in around 42 minutes. Eighteen months later, my 5k is under 30 minutes, my 10k is stuck around 60 minutes, half marathon is 2 hours 9 minutes and my first marathon is in the bag (May 2015). So, what next? Challenging myself, on a daily basis.

Life itself is a challenge - 56, blind, and not very good hearing to boot. Just back on the waiting list for a new guide dog (with extra training for my rubbish hearing), so for a while I shall do my utmost NOT to get run over. Again.

Grateful for every day, the realisation that every day is a blessing, not to be taken for granted, but welcomed and appreciated. Give back, pay it forward; help someone, learn something.

A proud Irishman, born here, proud of my nationality. Married to Emma, the light of my life, my rock in all things, for whom I shall always be grateful and appreciative.

I am not perfect, I don't pretend to be. I make mistakes, I say the wrong things at the wrong time. I try to learn from my mistakes, and to be a better person. Don't give me a hard time, please - I certainly will not do it to you. Let's all just be kind and considerate to each other.

I believe that Ghandi’s views were the most enlightened of all the political men in our time. We should strive to do things in his spirit: not to use violence in fighting for our cause, but by non-participation in anything you believe is evil.

'I'm not weird. You lack the intellect to understand my genius and individuality'.

Bródúil as a bheith na hÉireann!

non deficere