Phonsie Clifford from Garryowen is running the 10k of the Great Limerick Run. If I was to say that to you, you might think, and? Well, Phonsie turned 80 last year and he intends on running the 10k in under an hour. When I spoke to Phonsie about his running and his previous marathons and Ballycotton 10’s, I was amazed to learn that Phonsie only took up running in his early sixties.“I was made redundant from work as a butcher when I was 62 years of age. The job had been labour intensive for years and I had all of this energy so I decided to keep myself occupied by walking everywhere and then I started to run”
Phonsie, who won the over 80 section of this years Ballycotton 10, has raised over 37,000 euro for Milford Hospice, to date, and the amount is continuing to grow. As is his competitive spirit.
“My son Richie, (who most Limerick people will know from his fitness classes in UL) is running the Great Limerick Run this year. I have never ran with Richie, so I am looking forward to the event immensely” added Phonsie. (Refusing to be drawn on whether he will beat Richie or not)
Indeed, Phonsie might just find the 10k a little short. The spritely 80-year-old can be seen jogging out along the Ennis Road most nights, before jogging back to his Garryowen home. Phonsie has also ran the Dublin, London and Limerick Marathons in the past. When you ask Phonsie, how he does it?, he claims that running is a ‘disease’. Once you get the bug to be fit and running it is like a disease you cannot get away from. I enjoy the running and the competition. I like the company of the lads in the Country Club AC and also if I can raise some funds for Milford, I will.”
Phonsie reminded me that if anyone is thinking about running or walking that they should always consult a doctor before doing so. “Everyone is different”, added Phonsie and this 80 year old inspiration certainly is.
If you see Phonsie on the course give him an hello, if he is passing you or you are passing him. . . .
The Great Limerick Run is less than a month away and, James O’Neill, Event Manager is reminding people of the added incentive that all those who take part are entered into a draw for a new Volkswagen Polo no matter where they finish in the race. So if you want to run the Marathon, Half Marathon or run, walk or jog the 6 mile, sign up on www.greatlimerickrun.com
