Rocker in a Brush to break world record

He didn't quite break the world record on his first attempt but for a 76-year-old rock legend with a double hip replacement and cardio defibrillator - a 100m sprint in 18 seconds ain't half bad!

However noted guitarist and singer Brush Shiels is determined to better that time in the coming weeks and believes he can meet the sprint challenge of 13 seconds for the over 75s.

The man who taught Thin Lizzy frontman Phil Lynott and Eurovision winner Johnny Logan how to play guitar, missed out on breaking the record for over 70s 100m challenge by one second five years ago.

After a double hip replacement last summer, he was out walking with sticks in a YouTube video to the tune of BeeGees smash 'Staying Alive' just one week after the operation.

And on New Year's Day, under the watchful eye of old friend and GAA manager Sean Boylan, he took to the track in Meath's Dunboyne AC and 'went like the clappers'.

"I got both hips done at the same time and after three weeks recovery, I could do everything apart from dance the Argentine tango," he laughed.

"I think it was the first time they've done a double hip operation in the Bon Secours but I was only back in the ward when I started a sing song."

"I was only a second off US holder Bobby Whilden's 12.77 seconds back in 2015 so now I'm aiming to be the first person over 75 with a double hip replacement and pacemaker to sprint 100m in 13 seconds.

"I never run more than one minute a day every two or three days. That's all I do at the minute but I find stretching keeps my body relaxed.

"I went like the clappers on New Year's Day and despite a blustery cross wind, I was very happy with my time.

"I'd never do the challenge without Sean Boylan there. He's my watch and my whistle and my best friend and a few other runners turned out on the day to support me.

"Every week, I'm getting slightly better. But I feel exceptionally good. I feel like I will do this - there's a very good chance that I'll crack this thing (record).

"There are a lot of people now interested in how I keep my body flexible and loose and I intend on posting some simple stretching exercises on YouTube for the seniors and hip replacement recipients.

"I'll know myself when I can't get any faster and then I'll find something else to do," he laughed.