Skryne couple's role in O'Rourke success

Derval O'Rourke, who won the silver medal in the 100 metres hurdles in Barcelona at the weekend's European Championships, afterwards paid tribute to her coach, Sean Cahill from Skryne. Her time of 12.65 seconds set a new Irish record and secured Ireland's 11th medal in the history of the games, and her second, having won silver at the European Championships in Gothenburg in 2006. Sean Cahill and his wife, Terrie, have been coaching O'Rourke for some years, but Terri had to return early from the Games due to a family bereavement. Their neighbours, Sarah and Grainne Hanly from Skryne, were on hand at Dublin Airport on Monday for the homecoming and presented O'Rourke with flowers on behalf of Athletics Ireland. Both the Cahills have had successful athletic careers. Terrie, formerly Terrie Horgan, represented Ireland since the age of 15 and held the Irish long jump record for 20 years. Sean, a former Irish hurdles champion, has represented Ireland at European and World Championships and at the Olympics. They have been involved with O'Rourke since she rang looking for advice before she took part in the World Indoor Championships in 2006.