from the AAI website John McDonnell, who has coached 26 Olympic athletes in a glorious athletics career stretching over four decades, is to gave a rare talk in his home county.
John McDonnell, the retired head coach of Arkansas University, will speak on “Succeeding in your chosen field” in Castlebar was last Wednesday.
Mr McDonnell, who is now holidaying in his native Crossmolina, is regarded as one of America’s finest ever coaches.
In total, he has been named national, regional or conference coach of the year a whopping 140 times.
“This man is a legend in American athletics. That’s why we have asked him to speak here – we know he will be of huge interest to anyone who is interested in achieving success in their chosen field,” said long-time friend, and former Mayo football manager, John Maughan, who is organising the event in conjunction with Mayo Sports Partnership sports co-ordinator Charlie Lambert. Mr Maughan and Mr McDonnell are both natives of Crossmolina.
“There is no charge whatsoever. The aim is to hear some of John’s philosophies and viewpoints. It promises to be a fascinating night,” added Mr Maughan.
“John has coached at six Olympics Games. He still coaches five Olympians, even though he retired as Head Coach at Arkansas University earlier this year.
“He has been inducted into the United States Track Coaches Hall of Fame, and has coached over 50 American national champions. He is a huge figure in American athletics.”
The talk, facilitated by Mayo County Council in association with the Sports Partnership, will take place in Breaffy House Hotel, Castlebar, at 8pm. There is no charge but for us to get an idea of numbers please contact the Mayo Sports Partnership office at 094-9047025 or email: [email protected] to confirm your attendence.
