• Episode 14 - Jim Davis
    Oct 2 2024

    Founding member and legendary coach Jim Davis sits down with his daughter Suzanne for an exclusive chat, reminiscing about his incredible journey with the club. 👏

    Tune in to hear Jim share:

    🏅 How he got involved in athletics

    🏅 The story behind the founding of Liffey Valley

    🏅 What success meant to the club in the early days

    🏅 The amazing journey that took Liffey Valley international

    🏅 How he stepped into the coaching role

    🏅 The doors that have opened for him as coach

    🏅 His career highlights

    🏅 His hopes for the future of Liffey Valley

    Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting out, this episode is packed with inspiration and wisdom from one of the club’s most cherished figures. 🌟


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    10 mins
  • Episode 13 - Paul Power
    Sep 8 2024

    In the 50th year of our club, Clare Kavanagh sits down with Paul Power to mark an incredible personal milestone— Paul’s 40 years with the club this October! 🎉


    Paul reflects on his running journey, which began in 1981 after transitioning from a swimming background. He talks about the health benefits and weight loss that came with running, his completion of the 1982 Dublin Marathon, and joining Liffey Valley AC in October 1984. His first night at the club was a "baptism of fire" under coach John O'Reilly, setting the tone for decades of dedication.


    During the episode, Paul delves into the structure of his training over the years—a mix of high mileage, tempo runs, and the varying approaches from different coaches, including coach and friend Jim Davis. He also highlights his role in the club’s refurbishments and reflects on the changes he’s witnessed—new members, coaches, and evolving training techniques.


    Paul shares his personal and team achievements, the medals won over the years, and the lifelong friendships he’s made, which he attributes to the strong “Liffey Valley family” reputation. He also shares fond memories of the many club trips to European cities with the club, reminiscing on the social side of the Liffey Valley experience.


    As the club approaches its 50th anniversary, Paul and Clare reflect on how much the club has grown and changed in his 40 years of membership and look forward to an exciting future ahead.


    Whether you’re a long-time club member or a newcomer, this episode is a must-listen! 🎧


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    21 mins
  • Episode 12 - Arnaud Benjacar & Paul Balfe
    Aug 13 2024

    Join us for the latest episode of the Liffey Valley Athletic Club podcast as we celebrate 50 years of running excellence! In this episode, club members Paul Balfe and Arnaud Benjacar share their 25+ years of experience with LVAC. They recount how they first joined the club, the warm welcome they received, and their diverse sporting backgrounds before finding their passion for running.


    Listen as they take us on a journey from their first training sessions to their most recent races, highlighting what makes Liffey Valley truly special—the camaraderie, the dedication to club and national races, the high standard of coaching, and the spirit of giving back that thrives within the club.


    Paul and Arnaud also share their fondest memories, from traveling the country and winning medals to the social side of the club and the unforgettable annual trips across England and Europe. Don’t miss their reflections on their best racing achievements and the experiences that have shaped their time at LVAC.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    14 mins
  • Episode 11 - Tom O'Connor
    Jun 28 2024

    In the latest episode of our podcast,Tom O’Connor shares insights from his incredible 30+ years with Liffey Valley AC! 🏅


    Tom reflects on why he joined a running club and what made him choose Liffey Valley AC. He talks about the importance of structured training and the invaluable guidance from our dedicated coaches. 🏃‍♂️✨


    Tom believes that consistency is the key to reaching your potential. He discusses his typical training week and what drives him to train and race with passion and determination. 💪🔥


    Plus, he shares his proudest achievement and talks about his amazing medal haul! 🏆🥇


    Tune in now to hear Tom's inspiring journey and valuable tips for all runners! 🎧💬


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    4 mins
  • Episode 10 - Annie & Aileen Gittens
    Jun 7 2024

    Join us for an inspiring chat with sisters Annie and Aileen Gittens who sit down together to discuss their time with Liffey Valley Athletics club


    Annie reflects on her journey from being nervous about joining a running club in 2014 to all her amazing achievements to date, all thanks to the incredible friendships she built along the way. 🏃‍♀️❤️


    Aileen shares her heartwarming story of joining in 2013 and finding love with her husband Peter through their shared passion for running. 💖👟


    Listen in as they recall their first sessions, their first impressions, and how the consistency and variety of training have significantly improved their running. 💪🏅

    They talk about feeling welcomed from day one, receiving great advice, and being part of a team that’s fit, healthy, positive, and encouraging. 🌈🤗

    Our club's diversity, with members of all ages and backgrounds, is a source of pride. The dedication of our coaches, who put in time and meticulous planning, leaves everyone in awe. 📅👏

    Celebrate their proudest achievements, from medals won to unforgettable races, and the vibrant social side of the club, including amazing trips. 🥇🌍



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    33 mins
  • Episode 9 - Stephen Coughlan
    May 26 2024

    In this episode, Stephen Coughlan delves into his long-standing relationship with Liffey Valley Athletic Club. Stephen shares insights from his running career that spans nearly four decades, beginning in the mid-1980s. He recounts his many achievements and benefits of being a member of the club.

    Stephen's dedication to running extends beyond his personal achievements. Currently, he serves as the assistant women's coach at Liffey Valley AC, where he applies his 40 years of experience to help others grow and excel. His coaching philosophy is simple yet profound: "Enjoy, improve, compete and excel." This mantra not only motivates his trainees but also reflects his own approach to the sport.

    Throughout the episode, Stephen discusses the various challenges he has faced over the years. Balancing work, studying, and family commitments with his passion for running has not always been easy, but it has shaped him into the resilient person he is today.

    One of the most rewarding aspects of Stephen's journey with Liffey Valley AC has been the friendships he has forged. The club has provided a supportive community where members share their achievements and enjoy a vibrant social life, creating bonds that last a lifetime.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    6 mins
  • Episode 8 - Eddie McGrath
    May 11 2024
    In the latest episode of the Liffey Valley Athletics Club podcast, Eddie McGrath sits down with fellow club member Clare Kavanagh reflecting back on his remarkable journey with the club spanning from 1988 to the present day. Eddie shares insights into his transformative experiences as both an athlete and a coach.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    11 mins
  • Episode 7 - Mairead Murphy
    Mar 29 2024
    We delve into the incredible journey of Mairead Murphy, a true legend of the Liffey Valley Athletics Club, who represented Ireland at the esteemed World Cross Country Championships in 1999.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    1 min