Two Mallow schools were given a rare treat today when
they received a visit from one of the hottest properties in the world of
sport.He was joined by his coach and mentor Br Colm O’Connell, a former student of the national school in the north Cork town.
Br O’Connell is paying a courtesy visit to both schools which he has had links with throughout his life both before and after his move to Kenya in 1976.
The Patrician Brother, aged 63, was given a civic reception in his home town at the weekend. He left Mallow 36 years ago.
However today, the man recognised as a "godfather of Kenyan running" was joined by the legendary middle distance champion at the first official event at the Patrician Academy’s new €1 million sports centre. Patrician Academy principal Catherine Fitzpatrick summed up the mood inside the walls of the famed sporting school.
"Having any Olympian attending any school is a huge deal for both the students and the staff but when it is someone of the stature of David then that’s on a different level all together," she said.
"While we had some wonderful school successes in sports like GAA, golf, handball and rugby, having a world and Olympic record holder visit us is really special for all concerned.
"People like David Rudisha are role models for us all and in particular for young people.
"If someone like David can achieve all he has from humble beginnings then students can’t help but be inspired. David is a modern day hero, especially in our school as our links with Brother Colm go all the way back to his early life."