Name: Gráinne Moynihan
Sport/Event: Athletics/400metres
What are you’re goals/aspirations coming into Trabzon 2011?
My goal is to make a European final and run a new personal best.
Describe your most memorable performance to date; including time/finishing place, location, etc.?
My most memorable performance to date is the AAA English championships in Bedford in August 2010. I ran 39.64 a new personal best back then and finished in 2nd place to Katie Kirk. It was memorable because the English are really good competitors and it is such an experience running with them at such a high level of competition.
Who do you admire as an ‘Athletic Hero’ and why?
I admire Derval O Rourke because she always performs to the best of her ability and produces great performances at major championships. She may not have the fastest time going into the final but you can be sure she will raise the bar and challenge herself to run great races.
What is your favourite sports team?
The Irish Rugby Team.
If you could have an appearance on any television show, which character and show would you choose?
If I could appear on any TV show I would choose to be Stewie from Family Guy.
What is your favourite type of music?
My favourite type of music is R & B, pop and indi music.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
If I could travel anywhere in the world I would go to the Caribbean because I love the accents, I enjoy trying different cultures, and would like to see how all the Jamaican sprinters train to become the best they can be.
Name: Brendan Gibbons
Sport/Event: Swimming
What are your goals/aspirations coming into Trabzon 2011?
My goal is to do my best and get as close to a medal position as possible.
Describe your most memorable performance to date; including time/finishing place, location etc.
3rd place 1500m F/S at the Celtic Tri-Nations 2011.Time:16.13
Who do you admire as an ‘Athletic Hero’ and why?
Brian O’Driscoll because he is a great Irish athlete.
What is your favourite sports team?
My favourite sports team is the Irish rugby team.
If you could have an appearance on any television show, which character and show would you choose?
I would chose Barney Stinson from “How I met your mother”
What is your favourite type of music?
I like all kinds of music.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I would go to London in 2012 to watch the Olympics.
Name: Ciara Giles Doran
Port/Event: Athletics 200m
What are your goals/aspirations coming into Trabzon 2011?
My ultimate goal in Trabzon is to run a personal best. I would hope that a personal best would qualify me to the final of the 200m in Trabzon, but if not, I will be content that I have run a lifetime best. I also aim to benefit mentally and physically from the whole EYOF experience and hopefully re-qualify next year with more experience behind me.
Describe your most memorable performance to date; including time/finishing place, location etc.
My most memorable performance to date was finishing second in 200m in the AAA Indoor Championships, in The Nia, Birmingham, February 2010. I ran a personal best time of 24.50s, which would have qualified me for the Youth Olympic Trials in Moscow, if had been of an eligible age.
Who do you admire as an ‘Athletic Hero’ and why?
I admire many different people for various reasons; I obviously admire many of the world-class athletes such as Usaine Bolt, Jenny Meadows, Jessica Ennis and Derval O Rourke, as they are such an inspiration to young athletes like me and also because of their sheer excellence in their field. I also greatly look up to local athletes such as Mairead Murphy, Niamh Whelan, Jessie Barr and Kelly Proper. Lastly, I also have great admiration for my coaches, Brid and Alan Golden for their dedication and commitment to coaching all of the athletes in Ferrybank Athletic Club.
What is your favourite sports team?
As I am from a GAA household, my favourite sports team is undoubtedly my local county hurling team, Waterford (much to the displeasure of my father, who is a Cork man!).
If you could have an appearance on any television show, which character and show would you choose?
I would appear on any sports programme, preferably athletics, as an analyst.
What is your favourite type of music?
I have a very broad taste in music, so my favourite type often depends on the kind of mood I am in! I Generally enjoy all types of music except for very heavy rock music or Opera-style.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
If I were to travel anywhere in the world, for athletics, I would definitely travel to Jamaica or America and train with the elite athletes of the world. However, if I were just to travel to a country for enjoyment and leisure, I would go to Canada, New Zealand and/or France. Both New Zealand and Canada have some of the most famous and exquisite natural beauty in the world, whereas I enjoy the culture and language in France. I have spent very enjoyable summers in all three countries, and I would love to re-visit them again.
Name:Sarah Lavin
Sport/Event:100m hurdles
What are your goals/aspirations coming into Trabzon 2011?
I hope to make the final and then anythimg can happen.
Describe your most memorable performance to date; including time/finishing place, location, etc.
Winning the 100m and 200m in the Schools International.I didnt expect either and was about 4th or 5th fastest time going in. I ran two PB’s that day. My 100m time of 12.03 still is. I surprised myself.
Who do you admire as an ‘Athletic Hero’ and why?
Derval O’Rourke definitly.She proves that an Irish girl can compete against world top athletes and be just as good. She can always go in as an underdog and come out a winner, nothing seems to phase her. Plus she has the same birthday as me :)
What is your favourite sports team?
Munster Rugby Team.
If you could have an appearance on any television show, which character and show would you choose?
I would love to be in Friends, I love New York. Character? Well not Monica, she is a neat freak and Im definetly not that..
Rachel I suppose, she loves her fashion.
What is your favourite type of music?
I like everything. It depends what mood I’m in. Could be Rihanna one minute Mozart the next.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
California. I’ve always wanted to go there. The weather definetly sounds attractive. Life is better with a tan.
Name: India McPeak
Sport/Event: Women’s Artistic Gymnastics
What are youre goals/aspirations coming into Trabzon 2011?
To achieve a personal best overall score and to try to get into beam finals (my best piece).
Describe your most memorable performance to date; including time/finishing place, location, etc.
Representing Ireland on the Junior team at the European Championships 2010 in Birmingham, England. Until now that was the biggest event I have competed in and my first experience on podium equipment. I lead a very young team, and this was the first time that Ireland entered a full Junior Team, finishing in 20th place.
Who do you admire as an ‘Athletic Hero’ and why?
Shawn Johnson, USA Gymnast, who competed at the Beijing Olympics in 2008. She has helped to changed the face of gymnastics from the old flexible/ballet style of previous Eastern block countries to a more powerful, athletic and technical sport – a style that suits be far better!
What is your favourite sports team?
USA Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Team
If you could have an appearance on any television show, which character and show would you choose?
Abby Sciuto (played by Pauley Perrette) from the crime series NCIS as I study sciences and would possibly like to pursue a career in forensics.
What is your favourite type of music?
Wide range of pop artists like Katy Perry, Lady GaGa, Rhianna etc.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
Florida, USA – just love the theme parks, shopping and sun!
Name: Greg O Shea
Sport/Event: Atheltics 100/200m
What are your goals/aspirations coming into Trabzon 2011?
To make the final and run a pb
Describe your most memorable performance to date; including time/finishing place, location, etc.
Munster clubs 2010, in Cork, I won the 100 and 200 running to pbs, 11.15 and 22.5
Who do you admire as an ‘Athletic Hero’ and why?
I admire Tyson Gay because his technique to me is perfect and i wish to run as well as him someday
What is your favourite sports team?
Munster Rugby Team
If you could have an appearance on any television show, which character and show would you choose?
Homer Simpson on the Simpsons
What is your favourite type of music?
Acoustic, one instrument
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
Australia, because i have always wanted to go there, perfect weather, beautiful scenery, beaches, women, just my dream place to live.
Name: Marcus Lawler
Sport/Event: Athletics 200 metres
What are your goals/aspirations coming into Trabzon 2011?
To reach the final and come home with a new PB.
Describe your most memorable performance to date; including time/finishing place, location, etc.
All Ireland Schools Championships 2010 intermediate 200m. First place. 21.91. Tullamore.
Who do you admire as an ‘Athletic Hero’ and why?
Usain Bolt is a great figure because he is very laid back while still succeeding.
What is your favourite sports team?
I have great admiration for Kildare gaelic football team.
If you could have an appearance on any television show, which character and show would you choose?
Pat Spillane on the Sunday Game.
What is your favourite type of music?
Anything at all.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I would love to go back to Portugal; I trained there twice and really enjoyed it.
Name: Aisling Croke
Sport/Event: Athletics High Jump
What are you’re goals/aspirations coming into Trabzon 2011?
Justify all myself and my coaches hard work this year and prove to myself that i can compete at the highest level in my age group.
Describe your most memorable performance to date; including time/finishing place, location, etc.
The national juvenile indoors 2010 where i won the event and also broke the national record with a jump of 1.73m, high enough to qualify for the European Youth Olympic Trials in Moscow last year.
Who do you admire as an ‘Athletic Hero’ and why?
Dwain Chambers.He was caught for using drugs and banned from the sport for a few years.I admire that he understood his mistake and showed great determination and bravery to come back and compete again and prove his love for the sport.
What is your favourite sports team?
The American women’s national gymnastics team .
If you could have an appearance on any television show, which character and show would you choose?
Hellcats.Marti
What is your favourite type of music?
Hip Hop and Country
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
New York. I love the city
Name: Amy O Donoghue
Sport/Event: Athletics, 800/1500m
What are your goals/aspirations coming into Trabzon 2011?
If I’m fortunate enough to be selected on the Irish team, Trabzon 2011 would be a great learning
experience. My aspirations would be to compete to the best of my ability, make the final and run a pb.
Describe your most memorable performance to date; including time/finishing place, location, etc.
My most memorable performance to date is winning the All Ireland Schools Track and Field Championships in Tullamore, 2010. I won the 800m and 1500m and at that time ran 2 pbs in both events. I broke the 800m record which had been standing for over 20 years. 800m – 2.10 1500m – 4.36.
Who do you admire as an ‘Athletic Hero’ and why?
I don’t have one particular athletic hero, I admire many athletes including Kelly Holmes, Sonia O Sullivan, Frank O Mara and Marcus O Sullivan. These athletes all achieved outstanding success and all competed at the Olympic Games, so I hope to follow in their footsteps!
What is your favourite sports team?
My favourite sports team is Manchester United. I’ve supported them since I was a little girl and have been to their stadium (Old Trafford) which is amazing!
If you could have an appearance on any television show, which character and show would you choose?
I would love to appear as a judge on The X-Factor, and I would definitely choose to be Simon Cowell. I love this show and I think judging the singers looks like a challenge and a lot of fun!
What is your favourite type of music?
I love most types of music, I’m a really musical person and I play the piano and concertina. I listen to anything from traditional Irish music to Justin Bieber
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I would love to go to Australia, it looks like such a beautiful country and they get a lot more sun than we do! I think it’s cool the way they spend Christmas at the beach!
Name: Eddie Dunbar
Sport/Event: Cycling
What are your goals/aspirations coming into Trabzon 2011?
To do my best and aim for top 10.
Describe your most memorable performance to date; including time/finishing place, location, etc.
Winning stage 2 of the Ras na Nog, held in Drogheda in April.
Who do you admire as an ‘Athletic Hero’ and why?
Lance Armstrong, because he never quits, no matter how hard anything gets.
What is your favourite sports team?
Munster Rugby Team.
If you could have an appearance on any television show, which character and show would you choose?
Question of Sport.
What is your favourite type of music?
Irish Folk/Country, R&B
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
France to the Alps, as there is plenty of cycling to be done out there and could get spotted by a team.
Name: Jason Prendergast
Sport/event: Cycling
What are your goals/aspirations coming into Trabzon 2011?
A medal in either Time Trial, Road Race or crit.
Describe your most memorable performance to date; including time/finishing place, location, etc.
That Would have to be when I won the All-Irelands cycling championships on the 30th of August 2010 in coalisland Co Tyrone.
Who do you admire as an ‘Athletic Hero’ and why?
Sean Kelly and I pick him because I am much the same type of rider as him and he is a true legend in Irish cycling.
What is your favourite sports team?
Garmin Cervelo.
If you could have an appearance on any television show, which character and show would you choose?
The late late show.
What is your favourite type of music?
Pop.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I would travel to France because that is where I think the best type of racing is and the scenery.
Name: Sean Tobin
Sport/Event: Athletics 3000m
What are your goals/aspirations coming into Trabzon 2011?
To compete to the best of my ability and to gain experience at a major championship.
Describe your most memorable performance to date; including time/finishing place, location, etc.
My most memorable performance was at the AAI games in Dublin. This is where I got the standard for EYOF I won the race in a time of 8.33.51 over 3000m
Who do you admire as an ‘Athletic Hero’ and why?
I admire Steve Prefontaine because of his attitude to the sport and he always believed in himself.
What is your favourite sports team?
Manchester united
If you could have an appearance on any television show, which character and show would you choose?
I would love to make an appearance on Misfits and the character I would like to play is Nathan
What is your favourite type of music?
Pop, Techno
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I have not been to many places but Turkey would be the place I would never get bored of. The people are so friendly and it is a beautiful country.
Name: Brian O’Sullivan
Sport/Event: Swimming/100m Backstroke + 50m Freestyle
What are your goals/aspirations coming into Trabzon 2011?
I want to swim to the best of my ability and make the final in all of my events and from there on just stay calm and give it socks.
Describe your most memorable performance to date; including time/finishing place, location, etc
My most memorable performance to date has to be when I qualified for EYOF in the 100m backstroke. I surpassed my own expectations at this event by breaking the minute and getting a time of 59.83 seconds. I achieved this time on the 29/04/2011 in the National Aquatic Centre, Dublin at the Irish Long Course gala. I trained hard all year to improve my backstroke technique so it was really great to see my hard work pay off .
Who do you admire as an ‘Athletic Hero’ and why?
The top four that I admire would have to be Gráinne Murphy, Ian Thorpe, Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte all for different reasons but all significant ones. I admire Gráinne because she has put in so much hard work here in Ireland and it has paid off since she won two European Championship medals and at such a young age too. I see Ian Thorpe as such an inspiration because he won a world championship title at the crazy young age of fifteen. Ryan Lochte brings fun in to such a competitive sport whilst staying extremely focused and zoned in on what he wants to achieve and finally Michael Phelps without any explanation is an icon in the swimming world!
What is your favourite sports team?
The Leinster rugby team because of their great success this year.
If you could have an appearance on any television show, which character and show would you choose?
I wouldn’t mind being Stewie form ‘Family Guy’ every once in a while just for the mere fact that he is so witty and hilarious. I would also love to be Dr.Spencer Reid from ‘Criminal Minds’ sometimes, because of his sheer knowledge and ability to analyse really weird scenarios and also his ability to absorb so much.
What is your favourite type of music?
I think that I’m mainly into Indie rock/electronic and soul music. I’m into Vampire Weekend, Imogen Heap, Paramore, Passion Pit, Two Door Cinema Club, the Beatles, Calvin Harris, Béyonce and so many many more. I just love listening to music.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
If I could go anywhere in the world I would choose to go to Dubai in the U.A.E because it is somewhere that is so amazing looking. An empire on sand !
Name: Síofra Cléirigh Buttner
Sport/Event: Athletics/ 1500m
What are your goals/aspirations coming into Trabzon 2011?
My goals and aspirations coming into Trabzon 2011 are to possibly win a medal, run a personal best, enjoy the whole experience and gain as much as possible from it all.
Describe your most memorable performance to date; including time/finishing place, location, etc
My most memorable performance to date was Tailtean Games 2011 in Morton Stadium, Santry. I won the Intermediate Girls 800m race in a new personal best and a new record of 2.07.78. It was very memorable because I felt as though all the hard work and training had paid off and it was very worth it. Hopefully I can run faster if I find the perfect race with the perfect conditions and people to push me in it.
Who do you admire as an ‘Athletic Hero’ and why?
I admire Sebastian Coe as an “Athletic Hero” because of how dedicated he was to the sport and he showed how much is possible to achieve when you are willing to work hard, want it enough, and love what you are doing.
What is your favourite sports team?
My favourite sports team is Manchester United
If you could have an appearance on any television show, which character and show would you choose?
I would choose “Friends” and I would choose the character of Rachel.
What is your favourite type of music?
My favourite type of music is pop music i.e. The Script and Take That
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I would travel to Australia because I think I would enjoy the different climate and would benefit from training in this climate. Also I think there is a lot to experience and see in the country.
