Not sure whether you heard the news, you might not have, what with us Dunboyne AC’ers being such a shy and retiring bunch, but John Cotter officially retired from running at Tuesday night’s training session, two days after he started our successful 4 miler!
John Cotter made club history as the most mature person to ever enter our club gates as a newcomer in 2012, just a couple of months shy of his 75th birthday. John joined with the goal of running his first ever marathon. He did just that at the 2012 Dublin City Marathon; it never occurred to him that he couldn’t. In a short but distinguished running career he won Meath Championship medals, a National team medal, Race Series podium finishes and a National Cross Country Individual Gold medal. In 2012 he was awarded Dunboyne AC’s Fit4Life Athlete of the Year and he tells us this is his pride and joy, above all else.
John has been an inspiration, an enthusiastic club volunteer, a treasured clubmate, a true friend to us all, a role model and even a male model. (Sorry Sally!) Now, a year and a half from his 80th birthday, John has reluctantly decided it is time to retire from running. John, we’ll miss running with you, but we still expect to see you down at the track for a walk and a chat. This is not the end of your Dunboyne AC journey, just a new chapter.
At Tuesday’s training session, Fit4Life, Seniors and the club’s top brass turned out in force for a group post-race photo, courtesy of Rob Webb, with John assuming the Luke Forde pose. Legal action hasn’t even been mooted; proof positive that John endeared himself to absolutely everyone he met at the club.
Fit4Life rep Ger Fagan reminded us briefly of John’s inspiring running achievements until we started to feel inadequate in comparison. John was more than a little stunned at the “send off, that wasn’t a send off,” but managed to maintain his composure and tell us what a fantastic bunch of people we are. We love that stuff John, you know us so well, and we were back to feeling inspired again!
We had commissioned a few verses from our resident poet, who modestly wished to remain anonymous – it’s really not like him. Kay Gilmartin fully respected our poet’s wishes before reciting his apt and touching verses, summing up John to an absolute tee, as you will see below. Barely a dry eye on the infield! Our sincere thanks to our poet for such great work; clearly a high achiever (or believer). One of those!
Our Club president, and John’s fellow elder statesman, Sean Conroy presented John with the framed verses for posterity, marvelling that John had arrested the training session. Fit4Life rep Viv Lennon stepped forward to present John with “that” infamous photo, without the slightest hint of shame for her own part in the scandal. Tut, tut! John wasn’t showing much remorse either, it has to be said.
On behalf of us all, Chairperson Teresa Smith formally thanked John for his Trojan work in volunteering at Dunboyne AC and presented him with “Retirement Cards” signed by so many clubmates. We reminded John that we were marking his retirement from running, but we expect to see him regularly at the track walking.
Vice Chairman and Coach Paul Gannon then invited John to lead us out onto the track for a final running lap together. Not only did John lead us out, he strung us out – talk about finishing on a high note! John finished the lap to rapturous applause from us all. Here’s to you John! With great affection, admiration and gratitude, we wish you the absolute best in your retirement from running and the start of your new chapter at Dunboyne AC.
Homage to John
I
A great man from running is set to retire,
A gentleman we grew to quickly admire.
It’s 4 years since he came and cast his spell,
All fell under his charm as this poem will tell.
Months later, he was our Fit4Lifer of the year,
Which was greeted with applause and endless cheer.
You see, this man was popular from the start,
Now as he retires he leaves us, with a heavy heart.
II
At 75, as a new member he came through our gate,
Soon completed a marathon, smiling on the home straight.
Won prizes and gold medals race after race,
All-Ireland and Meath, he came in first place.
Travelled the globe wearing his singlet with pride,
France, Greece and America all witnessed his stride.
A true club person who’s done more than his bit,
Embracing our mantra to help, whilst getting quite fit.
III
His influence spreads from east to west,
In Galway he minded his Grandchildren in their nest.
Each morning to school, he would make them run,
‘Granddad, you’re mad’ they’d grunt before they begun.
Every day more kids joined his running train to school,
More carriages joined as soon Granddad became Mr Cool.
In a week, John had left his mark on the young,
These children exercised as their X-boxes got flung.
IV
John’s retiring to protect his bones from danger,
All we ask is that you keep in touch, don’t be a stranger,
Please drop up with Sally for a walk and a chat,
We will be here looking out for you and your hat.
Your legacy will remain with the club for all time,
An official race starter, you are truly sublime.
You are thought of in such high esteem,
Your energy, gust and drive, we can but dream.
V
You will be missed by all, we can honestly say,
We learned so much as you showed us the way.
Run and race with a wave and a smile,
Embrace, enjoy and appreciate each mile.
You taught us new chapters can start at any age,
It’s only a figure, a new number – a new life stage.
From our club “thanks,” for all you have done,
You’re an inspiration, a gentleman, a ray of sun.
VI
There was a magician, who saved the world named Potter,
Dunboyne has its own hero, our friend, Ladies & Gentlemen, Mr John Cotter.
