Waterford is celebrating a remarkable moment in Irish athletics after Mark English stormed to gold in the 800m final at the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham.
English produced a sensational finish, powering through from second place to take the lead and cross the line in 1:45.26, securing the European title for Ireland.
Croatia’s Marino Bloudek took silver in 1:45.62, with Spain’s Mohamed Attaqui claiming bronze in 1:45.71.
The victory marks a historic moment for Irish athletics, with English becoming the first Irish man to win gold at the European Athletics Championships.
And while the celebrations are national, there is a special Waterford connection to English’s success and in particular, to the village of Fenor.
Mark English’s Fenor connections
When Teresa Murray contacted The Big Breakfast Blaa to share her family connection to Mark English, we knew it was a story that had to be told.
Teresa explained that Fenor has a double reason to celebrate, with Mark’s family roots stretching back to the village.
Many years ago, Billy Burns and his brother Brendan Burns, Mark English’s grandfather, were raised in Fenor before much of the family eventually moved to England, as so many Irish families did at the time.
Brendan later returned to Ireland, settling in Portlaoise, where he bought a pub and raised three daughters.
The eldest of those daughters went on to have a family of her own, including a son called Mark English.
Speaking on The Big Breakfast Blaa, Teresa praised Mark’s ambition, determination and extraordinary talent, while also speaking warmly about the man he has grown up to be.
It adds an extra layer of pride to an already historic Irish sporting achievement, a European gold medal won on the biggest stage, with roots that reach right back to Waterford.
A national sporting triumph with a very special local connection.
Listen back to Teresa sharing the Mark English family connection with Ollie and Dymphna on The Big Breakfast Blaa.
Keep up to date with all the latest from The Big Breakfast Blaa with Ollie and Dymphna, weekdays from 6am to 10am.
