22 THE IRISH DAILY STAR, Tuesday June 12 2018 DUBS ICON LOUISE ON HER TOUGH ROAD TO TOP

STRENGTH: Louise says Mary had the Erin’s Isle club helped save her life EXCLUSIVE I David COUGHLAN PIX: Gary ASHE

CAMOGIE ace Louise O’Hara baby twelve has been working out the dates. The hero is eight-and-a- half months pregnant, but still hopeful of seeing some action for her club Erin’s Isle this summer. “You never know, might get a bit of championship in at the end of this year,” she said, laughing. Considering some of the obstacles O’Hara has overcome in her life, it would be no surprise. The Finglas woman grew up just yards from the Erin’s Isle clubhouse years ago so I in an area that was ravaged by drug addiction — including her own family. Four of her six siblings were heroin addicts and O’Hara admitted that camogie and the local club saved her life. She lost her mother Rita to breast cancer and her father Michael to a brain tumour, but through it all she had the support of her club and county teammates as she rose to the very pinnacle of the sport. In 2006, she became Dublin’s second ever All Star, guiding the didn’t have to capital to a second All- junior title in-a-row. That year she also set up her first business, Clever Cloggs creche in Clontarf — and her partner Mary had their first child Ellen. In her spare time she represented Ireland at netball. Child She now runs two creches with an overall staff of 44 and is due in three weeks’ time with the couple’s second child — although that hasn’t stopped her pucking a few balls around. stop playing “I suppose that’s one good thing about being in a same-sex relation- ship, Mary had the baby 12 years ago so I didn’t have to stop playing,” said O’Hara. “I’ve known Mary for 16 years. It CAMOGIE STAR’S AMAZING JOURNEY FROM doesn’t feel like that. I hope it doesn’t feel like that for her anyway! “Ellen’s been part of the furniture FAMILY’S DRUG HELL TO SPORT SUCCESS with Erin’s Isle. Grew up with the team. So much so she doesn’t want to A heroin epidemic in the 1980s and someone’s brother or sister or child.” “I think now, they might be play camogie now! 90s crippled disadvantaged areas of O’Hara shared a room with three more equipped to (intervene). “Because Isles have been so good the capital, like Finglas, and O’Hara’s sisters, two older ones caught in the But back then, it was nearly for me, I want everyone else to be a two older brothers and two older grip of drug addiction and one young- like ‘the shame on the fami- part of that. That club saved me. sisters fell into addiction. er one. ly’, so you kind of kept it “Between that and camogie and “I had four other siblings that just At first she wasn’t aware of the quiet. Dublin, God knows what I’d be got in with the wrong crowd and that downward spiral of her older “There would’ve been four doing if it wasn’t for them. So was it,” she recalled. siblings, but as their drug of us girls in one room and anyone I try get them up there. “That was their life for another 10 dependency increased it began to three boys in another. On any “I think you have to be there on a years. Involved in drugs and take a toll on her parents. given day we could’ve had a day to live it, to understand it. We’re what-not. That was them. relative living with us too. in an underprivileged area. “I was lucky I had Erin’s Isle. I was Tools “That’s the way it was. If “We don’t have much. We fight for up the road week-in, week-out. “They didn’t have the tools to deal someone had a job, their kids everything we have. We come out on “I would look at them now and look with it back then,” said the got left with a relative. We were top all the time.” at other people (with drug 39-year-old. probably that house.” O’Hara joined Isles as a nine-year- addictions) and think they were never “Back then, it happened in your Last year Dublin men’s footballer old after her teacher Miss O’Malley as bad as that, because you don’t look house, you put your head down and Philly McMahon chronicled his late at St Malachy’s spotted some at your family in that way. that was it. It wasn’t talked about. brother John’s battle with heroin potential. “But other people have a different “Your parents were stressed out, addiction in his book with Niall BABY JOY: “I was just tough, I got stuck in. I perception of that. but as younger siblings you weren’t Kelly ‘The Choice’. Louise is suppose when you grow up in a “People disregard them. They say: told: ‘This is happening’. You just O’Hara can see similarities with eight-and-a- house of seven (children) you have to ‘Oh they’re junkies, ignore them’. kind of figured it out as you went her own background. half months fight your corner,” said O’Hara. Well actually they’re not. They’re along. “You could beat yourself up a pregnant THE IRISH DAILY STAR, Tuesday June 12 2018 23 DUBS ICON LOUISE ON HER TOUGH ROAD TO TOP

A FAMILY AFFAIR: Camogie star Louise O’Hara at her club Erin’s Isle’s grounds in ‘ADVANCES’: Holmes Finglas, Dublin and (right) with her partner Mary and their daughter Ellen ‘I had to spurn women’

EAMONN Holmes has spoken about being “compro- mised” by female executives and says one was particular- ly “vindicative” after he rejected her advances. The Irish star was speaking on his Talkradio show during a discussion on sexual harass- ment at work. Wife Eamonn, who co- presents ITV’s This Morning with sec- ond wife Ruth Langsford, said he discussed the issue with her. He said he was able to easily dis- card the matter because he’s confi- dent in himself and his relationship with Ruth.

TRUE BLUES: Louise O’Hara (right) with fellow Dubs stars Sinead Goldrick, Danny Sutcliffe and at an AIG launch ‘You maybe expect the boys to get into trouble a RAPPED: Gary Barlow bit more. But when the A litter girls got involved in drugs pill for ■ SEE PAGES 52&53 it was a sucker punch’ fans...

million times. I could look at myself “And they did want help. They did “They told my dad he had six part of a team. I know how much a TAKE That star and say: ‘Look at all the want to get out of it. months and he said: ‘I’m not dying in team has helped me in life.” Gary Barlow has opportunities I got’. But I think I “The biggest step probably was my six months’. So he died in eight. That O’Hara’s camogie team are the been rapped for made some different choices. first brother went to England. There’s was typical of him,” she said. highest ranked side in the club and dumping plastic at “They all went to the same school, more help over there. “He also told me he wouldn’t die on they’re not shy about reminding the a world-famous eco they went to a mixed school. When it “He rang home and said to the a training day and he died on the men’s teams of that. spot. got to me, I was like ‘I don’t want to others, get your act together, get over first Wednesday that I had no It’s a special place with mothers The singer go to that school’. here. He came home to get my brother training. There you go. and daughters playing side by side sprayed thousands “It took its toll. Probably on my and that was it. “Again I had camogie through all and kids, however small, are a big of pieces of confetti mam more. You expect the boys to “The girls stayed here and did it that. Imagine how horrendous that part of the set-up. over the crowd get into a crowd, into trouble a bit themselves. They were a little bit would’ve been without camogie. “Some of the girls, they retire, then during his gig at more. But I think when the girls younger and as time progressed there Sitting in hospitals everyday. I’ll come back they miss it so much. They the Eden Project in got involved in drugs it was a was a little bit more help. never forget players coming to see come training, they bring their kids Cornwall. sucker punch. “They got on the straight and me, coming to check up on me. along. While many of narrow over here. But they had the “We played Ballinteer earlier this his 6,500 fans Struggled belief that they could because my Sport year and a couple of goals went in “My mam struggled with it for “Just shows you what sport does.” enjoyed the specta- brothers could say ‘we’ve done this, and a fella on the sideline commented cle, angry eco- a long time. But she never you can get yourself together’. Daughter Ellen has recently started on it. turned her back on them. playing ladies’ football and O’Hara lovers saw it as an “They’re all doing good now. “I said: ‘The goalkeeper is getting epic gaffe. “As they got older they moved “We’re lucky that we’re all stubborn admitted to feeling like a turncoat in married tomorrow and the sub out, so my mam wouldn’t have in my house, we get through things.” helping her school team, but is keeper is her daughter, so we’re down Voice seen some of the signs. When That stubborn streak helped O’Hara relieved she has at least joined the two keepers’. Environmental they’d come to see us on Sunday become one of Dublin GAA’s greatest Isles. “The fella just laughed and said: group Cornwall they’d be functioning. ever players, being involved at “She wanted to join Clontarf a ‘That’s what I love about Isles’. That’s Against Plastic “They were functioning. We inter-county level for 25 years. couple of years ago. I said: ‘Mary, you what we love too.” demanded an didn’t find them on the side of the She lost her mother to breast cancer can bring her down!’ I’m a true Erin’s The next addition to the club will apology. road. We were lucky that way. in 2012 and three years later her Isle person and a true Dub!” said be arriving in the next few weeks. They wrote on “It’s a bit of a contradiction, but it father was diagnosed with a brain O’Hara, laughing. He or she might even get to see their Twitter: “As a was lucky there was a group of tumour. “But she’s in the club now, so my mother togging out in the champion- global voice, Gary them, because they looked out for Once again the family’s stubborn work is done. I’m just delighted she’s ship later this year — with Louise Barlow has a each other. streak kicked in. come down. It’s so important to be a O’Hara, anything is possible. responsibility.” THE IRISH DAILY STAR, Saturday January 20 2018 25 26 THE IRISH DAILY STAR, Saturday January 20 2018

* €30 ONLINE + €10 CASINO BONUS NEW CUSTOMER AS A FREE BET EXCLUSIVE BET €10 · GET €40 VISIT: BOYLESPORTS.COM/STAR

*T&Cs apply. Bet €10 or more at Evs or greater. First bet only. €250 max Casino win & 20x staking required. See boylesports.com/promotions for full details. Have fun - Bet responsibly - 18+ Dunlewey Addiction Services - 1800 93 67 25

WYLIEWEDNESDAY morn- HAS ing in Accident and Emergency. Decorators are giving the waiting room a new lick of paint as the seats fill up. Ryan Wylie has been on since eight and there’s no let-up in the radiology department. Next in, someone who fell against a shopping trolley. After that is a stomach scan on a pancreatic infection. Then a CT scan for a patient David David suffering repeated seizures. David Then a chest scan and so it COUGHLAN COUGHLAN goes. COUGHLAN REPORTS COMMENT “The list just seems to get EXCLUSIVE bigger and bigger some- [email protected] [email protected] times,” says Wylie. [email protected] The 23-year-old Monaghan defender is on the frontline in the stretched health ser- vice as a radiographer at Dublin’s Mater Hospital. “You get all walks of life,” he says. “Nurses they have it tough, some of the s**t they have to deal with. They get the brunt of it. Patients “You do get agitated David David patients, sometimes they David have to be sedated or wait COUGHLAN COUGHLAN until they calm down. COUGHLAN “It’s not their fault with REPORTS COMMENT the condition they might EXCLUSIVE [email protected] [email protected] have. You just have to judge [email protected] it for yourself when it hap- pens. What’s the best for the patient. FANTASTIC FARNEY: Paul “In the job there’s a lot of Finlay, Ryan Wylie and Drew radiation, so there’s no point Wylie celebrate Monaghan’s giving it unnecessarily to Ulster final win in 2015 patients when they don’t need it. That’s the biggest risk. “You can’t come in down in dumps. You might as well go in with a smile. There are often people worse off than debate has been raging in the can- you and it makes you grate- GAA over the work/life bal- t e e n ful for what you have. ance for players. h e David COUGHLAN David COUGHLAN“You see some bad cases David COUGHLAN The hamster wheel of train- exp- and it’s tough on families. ing, gym, games and work l a i n s REPORTS COMMENT“Thankfully I’ve all my EXCLUSIVE with little time for much else. the need [email protected] [email protected] health and I can go and play [email protected] It’s not a view of GAA for com- football, go into work, chill life the Ballybay man sub- munication in the out in the evening. says laughing, after the scan. here then, I suppose. scribes to. highly-pressurised Luxury “My mother is thankful. As “I remember the first time it “Nobody is forcing people environment. long as there’s no tattoos, happened, one of the nurses to play. If they don’t like it, “Some people just don’t she’s happy.” just took us aside, me and Busy have that luxury. You just they shouldn’t be playing,” Wylie is in his second year another student, and just said says Wylie. “It can be very busy, have to be thankful.” at the Mater since finishing ‘If you’ve any problems, don’t but everyone is on the Wylie is back at the dough- “There’s some footballers, his studies at UCD, where he be afraid to talk about it’. you’d wonder what they’re at. same page,” he says. nut-shaped CT scanner with played Sigerson with “I just sort of dealt with it “Everyone another patient, talking “Look at Jack and Mick Mannion and Jack McCaffrey alright. Leave the stuff at Fitzsimons, they’re studying knows someone them through the process amongst others. work and go home. in the hospital. and putting them at ease. medicine — one of the tough- Work life is different. est courses you can do and We all know the The patient lies on the The number of patients on Lucky pain of what it’s X-ray table and is injected “I’m lucky, nearly every they’re playing for the best trolleys has made headlines team in the country at the like. There’s with contrast agent to show regularly over the last few evening I’d be doing some- people here 24/7, up problem areas, then the thing with football or what- minute. months with a chronic short- “It’s definitely possible if it’s not as if it’s table moves into the scanner age of beds and resources ever, so I don’t really have just nine to five. for the examination — the time to dwell on it. I suppose you put your mind to it.” across the country. Wylie works days and nights It has to be whole process takes just a Death is something Wylie that’s good as well. done. few minutes. “Work is a good distraction at the Mater. has to deal with now in his On an average night shift he “You try Wylie’s not long back from day job. David COUGHLANfrom football and football is a and keep a works nine until nine, carry- a few weeks in America and “You know when you sign good distraction from work.” level head Colombia with Dublin’s Paul Wylie goes to a bank of ing two bleepers — one for up there will be things like the emergencyEXCLUSIVEEXCLUSIVE department, and give Mannion and Offaly’s Luke that. It’s just part of it. You computer screens to view a the other for the intensive them a HUGE WORKLOAD: Kelly and is still sporting a can’t say halfway [email protected] — 3D image of a patient’s chest rough shock of blond hair as a area and discusses the case care unit where he and a Ryan Wylie at work this is not for me,” says Wylie. committed team of radiogra- estima- reminder. “I did my placement here as with another radiographer. t i o n at the Mater Hospital “It wasn’t done sober!” he For the last few weeks a phers take portable X-rays. in Dublin a student, so I saw it (death) Over lunch in the Mater when THE IRISH DAILY STAR, Saturday January 20 2018 27

1800 44 00 00 · SHOPS UNTIL 9.30PM · DOWNLOAD OUR APP

Croker never out of reach RYAN Wylie can see Croke Park from his window. I David COUGHLAN Hill 16 in fact. The Monaghan defender victory. lives on Clonliffe Road The Farney men have and has GAA HQ in view enjoyed great success in every day. “Not a bad Ulster with a largely view. Good for Coldplay!” defensive game, but he says, laughing. showed the first signs that X-FACTOR “I’d no ticket, so I went a change in approach may up on the roof to listen. I’d be in motion with a high- say it would’ve been nice scoring defeat to Donegal ‘Nobody inside, but it was decent in the McKenna Cup. craic outside too with the “We scored 19 points, is forcing light show and all that. they scored 4-17. It was “I remember being in very open, compared to Croke Park in 2005 when games in the past with people to they won Division Two Donegal. and there was a pitch invasion. Everyone piled Suppose play. If on. I raced on. Everyone “I suppose Dublin have saying ‘get on. Get on.’ shown that blanket they don’t “It’s always great to get defences are maybe not out there and play now.” the way forward any more. He’s looking forward to They blew everyone apart. like it, they getting back out on the “We were confident turf there in the Allianz going into that game in League and giving pals Championship last year, should Jack McCaffrey, Mick but they just showed their Fitzsimons and Paul class, picking off their not be Mannion a bit of their own scores. You are just trying medicine. to keep batting away, but The trio were part of the there was just no letting playing...’ UCD team that captured up from Dublin. the Sigerson in 2016 and “It was definitely deflat- remain good friends. ing. You’ve spent eight months with them group Goal of players and that’s it. It’s Last year Monaghan tough, you never like were heading for the losing.” League final until a last- After a rich couple of minute goal by McCaffrey years with two Ulster at Clones derailed their titles, Wylie believes there campaign. is still more to come from “Aw. There’s a picture, Malachy O’Rourke’s men. BLOND AMBITION: just as he scores it, I’m “He has us playing the Wylie in Cartagena in directly behind him. He’s way he wants and compet- Colombia in celebrating and you can itive again,” says Wylie. December with (left to just see my face. Big con- “Before I came into the right) Offaly footballer trast,” says Wylie. panel we were down in Luke Kelly, Aussie “His mother saw it and Division Three, so you friend Aurie and sent him a message say- have to give him his credit Dublin star Paul ing: ‘Are you and Ryan still to get us to Division One. Mannion friends?’ There’s always a “We were fighting for bit of banter before those the top two last season. games, but once you’re on He’s a decent record, you the field, no-one passes can’t turn your nose up at any remarks.” it. Whatever he’s doing, The Dubs also dumped he’s doing it right. Long Ryan combines health frontline Monaghan from the All- may it continue. Ireland quarter-finals with “A bit more silverware a d m i t s paign next weekend and a comfortable 1-19 to 0-12 too hopefully.” there is another crack at the Dubs. with Farney’s backline plenty of However he doesn’t expect s i b l i n g the blond locks to remain for y o u’ l l r i v a l r y the reunion with Mannion at get it done,” get the work done yourself. when it comes to fitness Croker on March 25. says Wylie. You’re not skiving.” tests. He puts a lot of the credit Surprise “If you tell them The Ballybay man has “When it happened, I forgot five minutes and starred alongside his brother for their success down to the influence of the Finlay fami- all about it and then the next it’s half an hour, Drew in the Monaghan full- morning, when I saw a mirror that’s when people start back line since joining the ly next door, led by former county star Paul and his late it was good surprise,” he getting frustrated. senior panel in 2013, winning says, laughing. “You need to communicate two Ulster titles together. father Kieran. “Kieran was great. He’d “Ah it was good craic. You that properly, otherwise need that. We went to Texas, they might think you’re sit- Sectarian have you out every evening in His family are Protestants the garden, kicking, high- Miami and then Panama and ting down in A&E on your took a boat to Colombia. Then own, eating a packet of by faith and back in 2013 catching, kicking with your his club side walked off the bad foot, when you could Cartagena, Medellin and crisps. Bogota. “They appreciate that field of a League game in hardly kick with your good Monaghan after sectarian foot,” says Wylie. “Nothing too mad. Jumped too. You’re working with off a couple of bridges and the nurses and doctors abuse directed at Drew. “Unfortunately he passed Wylie admits it still happens away. He would’ve been here stuff, we’re still intact. Then and I suppose you can home on Christmas Eve. take that communication to the brothers on occasion at in Mater Private a good bit. inter-county level, but they We won a Championship the “There was no football talk over to football.” now or anything. If we came Wylie admits that don’t dwell on it. year he died after a long wait “We prefer to do our talk- for the trophy, it’s unfortu- across a volleyball we’d mess Monaghan manager about, but very little. There Malachy O’Rourke is ing on the field,” he says. nate he didn’t get to see it. “I pass no remarks. These “Then we won Ulster the was definitely no training very accommodating done!” with work. things happen. Obviously following year with ON THE MARK: Jack they don’t have much else to Monaghan which was a With that it’s back to the McCaffrey shoots to the “He understands emergency department and the effort you’re be thinking of, if that’s how 25-year wait as well. He was net despite Ryan Wylie’s they approach a game.” definitely looking down on us. the next patient, the next close attentions in making. He doesn’t X-ray, the next scan. make a fuss about The close-knit family are A great man. A great family.” Clones last year heavily involved with the Wylie is gearing up the He wouldn’t have it any it. He knows that other way. you’re going to Ballybay club and Wylie return of the League cam- KINGS OF CHELTENHAM 4 DAYS, 55 OFFERS *18+. Have fun - Bet responsibly - Dunlewey Addiction Services - 1800 93 67 25 THE THREE MUSKETEERS ESSICA Harrington is explaining how Ja naked Kate Moss ended up in her kitchen. Down the hall, entries are being checked in the office. Head lad Eamonn Leigh is waiting outside with the next lot to be worked. Willow the four-month- old dog is weaving through legs, chairs and tables, full of puppy power. Every so often the smart watch on Harrington’s wrist rings with a phone call or a message from the yard, the gallops or the vet. “Welcome to the mad house,” says daughter Emma Galway. Last Thursday stable star was ruled out of Cheltenham after suffering a hairline fracture. It was the cruelest of blows. But three weeks out from the Festival, before the snow, before the chaos, before the withdrawal, there is calm at Commonstown Stables. Well, relative calm. A bunch of owners from Cork are sitting in the kitchen discussing racing, hurling and the world. Among them is former Rebels ROLLING ALONG: boss Kieran Kingston, who has Jessica tagged along with some friends. Harrington with “I’ve a bit more time on my daughters Emma hands this year,” he says. “I (left) and Kate at couldn’t pass up the chance to Commonstown see this place.” Stud in Kildare Commonstown is home to and (below) the Harrington and her family. It’s trainer’s friend also the nerve centre for a Ronnie Wood of hugely successful business run the Rolling Stones by the trainer and her daughters Emma and Kate. A business now in the business of winning Gold Cups. Angel and Our Duke. see the legend,” she says. four months older than Wood Twelve months ago, a first In the midst of the rosettes and “Ronnie’s great. I’ve and like the Rolling Stone runner in the race and a first rolls of honour is a painting of a trained for him for 15 to 20 has no plans to stop winner with Sizing John. naked lady by her pal Ronnie years. When he’s over here anytime soon. This year it’s Our Duke who Wood. he’ll come down and visit, “She knows nothing else,” carries the dreams, although “It’s meant to be Kate Moss,” we talk more about his says Kate. reality is always ready to bite at says Harrington. painting. But he’s not in “She might be a cham- any moment. “He was in the Priory when he Ireland very much. pion at mowing the “We do a bit of daydreaming, was having one of his addiction “I forget what a lawn. Is there a but we never talk about it. We sort-outs and she was in there as celebrity he is. When he competitive wouldn’t talk about it between well. Apparently it’s her. has a runner, like when sport for that?” us,” says Harrington. “But he’s been off everything Sandymount Duke went Commonstown “I’d have mine, Kate has hers, now for eight or nine years — a to Cheltenham, it was a may be a Emma has hers, Eamonn has his long time — having stuffed most nightmare, I promise business dealing out there. It’s a long three weeks. things up his nose and down his you. with billionaires, but An awful lot can go wrong.” throat and everything else over “Whereas he says the dynamic This is not Harrington’s first the years.” over here, he used to between family rodeo and the kitchen walls are a Plans are afoot to see the Stones be able to go to the members is the mosaic of memories. at Croker if the concert gets the pub and sit and have same as any other on and go-ahead. Harrington even wants a pint. People just homestead. . Robbie ‘Puppy’ the grandchildren to come. left him alone.” And the friction of Power on Sizing John, Bostons “It would be great for them to Harrington is just daily life can lead to

20 CHELTENHAM2018 KINGS OF CHELTENHAM 4 DAYS, 55 OFFERS *18+. Have fun - Bet responsibly - Dunlewey Addiction Services - 1800 93 67 25 THE THREE MUSKETEERS DAVID COUGHLAN spent the day with and her daughters Emma and Kate to talk family and the Festival LOVING CARE: Kate Harrington with Jett and SIZING GOLD: Robbie below Dave Coughlan Power wins last year’s chats to the Harringtons Gold Cup on Sizing John

‘She bollocked Barry Geraghty round the parade ring at Galway’

occasional sparks. it’s forgotten about. She moves Harrington takes the group from It’s almost four years since “Would you put a proper collar on. It doesn’t matter who they Cork down to the gallops where a Johnny passed away after a long on the horse,” assistant trainer are,” says Emma. string is ready to work. battle with cancer, but the Kate yells across the yard as her “She bollocked Barry Geraghty When Johnny Harrington bought larger-than-life character is never mother poses for a photograph all the way around the parade ring Commonstown it was a ramshack- far from their thoughts. with Don’t Touch It. at Galway one day after his ride le old farmyard that smelled of “I believe that he was with us “It’s the casual look,” replies on Rock The World. cats. very much in spirit last year. We Harrington, eyes twinkling. “He got off the horse and said: Now it’s a state-of-the-art did say he would’ve had a few one- Along with a wicked wit, the ‘God I haven’t had one of those in training facility that’s growing by liners for it all,” says Emma of trainer is known for her straight- a few years’. She doesn’t do it the day. New barns were added their three Cheltenham winners in shooting. very often, but when she does it’s last summer with 30 boxes to 2017. t is this no-nonsense effective, I suppose. Robert house the next crop of two-year- “If mum was ever getting a bit (Power) has got to know mum olds for the Flat. ahead, he would always have a approach that has better over the years.” A gleaming viewing platform line. Ihelped build a highly Kate adds: “He knows by the now stands above the gallops and “He definitely would’ve said: ‘Oh decorated dual-purpose face.” electronic barriers are being fitted well Gordon and Willie had five operation and made her Emma nods in agreement. nearby. winners…’ “If Robert sees the face, he gets “He would’ve loved all this,” says Harrington smiles. one of the country’s most off quickly and holds his hands up, Adrian Nicoll, bloodstock agent “You’d think you’d be doing respected sport stars. even if doesn’t think he was and friend of over 50 years to great and then he’d bring you “If she needs to give a bollock- wrong. He gets in there first!” Harrington and her late husband back,” says the trainer. ing to someone she does it and jokes Emma. Johnny. “We had a lot of moments of

CHELTENHAM2018 21 KINGS OF CHELTENHAM 4 DAYS, 55 OFFERS *18+. Have fun - Bet responsibly - Dunlewey Addiction Services - 1800 93 67 25

what would he have said. How as a referee in rugby, but it’s would he have said it, what would probably going to take another HARD WORK: Horses he have done. A lot of that. generation to change.” train on the gallops “We all miss him, we wish he Harrington’s background is a at Commonstown and was here. That’s life. We talk privileged one. She grew up on an (below) Jessica with about him and we have a lot of 850-acre estate near Summerhill bloodstock agent and laughs. in County Meath. friend Adrian Nicoll “Something will happen and we But there were no short-cuts to think, ‘God what he would’ve said the top in a sport dominated by about that.’ Thank God the men and blinkered views. embarrassment isn’t there any “I know when I started, some of more!” them definitely looked at me and Jezki’s victory thought, ‘she’ll go back and look at Cheltenham in 2014 came just after her children’,” says a month before Johnny passed Harrington. away. “I hope it’s different now. Owner JP McManus had two “When I started training there horses in the race — Tony McCoy were no women stewards or opted to ride , starters or anything like that. It’s leaving Barry Geraghty free to slowly coming through.” reunite with the Harringtons and Despite the yard’s pioneering Jezki. success — Emma does not want It was a time of darkness and gender to define them. light. “I think owners pick their A time when everything seemed trainers because of their record, to fall into place, but nothing not whether they are male or would ever be the same again. female,” says Emma. “It gave him another month,” “Ninety per cent of our owners says Kate of her late father. are male. For us as a business, we “The adrenalin. It was actually just happen to be female. the last time he went outside was “You want to be defined by when Jezki came home. That was training. You always say you’re a a big deal. For him to see that. trainer first… “It was such a weird race, we “…And a woman second!” had the second McManus horse, admits Harrington. then Barry got to ride him and Says Kate: “Mum is the Barry had never been beaten on leading-most female trainer at Jezki and all that. Cheltenham.” “It was almost like it was meant “And I say, that’s brilliant, but I to be. It was like Dad needed that. would prefer to be the leading “It was a big deal that you even trainer at Cheltenham,” confesses got to Cheltenham that year,” she the trainer. says to her mother. “He had Harrington has two children, never not gone with you for all James and Tara, from her first those years.” marriage. Harrington folds her arms. The She married Johnny Harrington couple were married for nearly in 1976 and the couple had two 40 years and had always traveled daughters — Emma and Kate to the Festival together. coming 12 years apart. “I was on my own, it was oth studied social difficult. It was strange, but we science at UCD got through it. We got through it and both are now all,” says Harrington. B The trainer takes the syndicate directors of the family across the yard and up the ‘Our business. Duke Tower’ — a gift from the con- At 71 the trainer is still learning, nections of last year’s Irish Grand both home and away. Harrington have had those Mr Ed “It’s a great thing, it teaches you, National winner. She exchanged notes with moments. when things go wrong. She met Kingston at the Philips Kingston and others at the great The kind of moments when they “It hurts like hell at the time, but Sports Manager of the Year annual brains trust of Irish sport wish their horses could talk. there’s absolutely no use moaning Awards last December along with last December. First Our Duke’s disappointment and groaning. a host of other big names like Jim “Really training horses is like at Down Royal, then Sizing John’s “No one likes anyone who Gavin, Micheál Donoghue, John training athletes,” says Har- below-par performance at complains. That’s life. You get on Caulfield and Aidan O’Brien. rington. Leopardstown at Christmas. with it. Sometimes it’s harder than Harrington was the only female “Footballers, hurlers. You “Yeah, that’s one. What was others.” nominee. condition them and then you’ve wrong with you that day?” says Character building is how Kate Despite a shift in society, Kate get to get the right mindset. Harrington. describes it. believes it will take time for the “The only difference is the “Sometimes you don’t get the Last year she was booked to ride landscape to change significantly human beings can tell you where answer. It’s frustrating, you just Someday in the Bumper for her in sport. they hurt. We have to work out have to go on doing what you do. first ever ride at the Festival before “You see in a female dominated where the horses hurt. Try this, try that.” a late, late injury ruled the horse business here, men don’t really “‘Oh I’ve got out of bed the Overcoming adversity runs in the out. like taking orders from women at wrong side this morning’. They family. “I rode out the horse that times,” says Kate, laughing. can’t tell you that.” Harrington’s father was a morning and suddenly he’s not “Joy Neville is getting a break Twice this season Team brigadier in the British army who right and he can’t run,” she says. survived two World Wars, including “When I got the phone call I was EARLY DAYS: Jessica the battle of Passchendaele, and doing an interview with Attheraces Harrington back in 1997 also won a silver medal in polo at saying how excited I was for the the 1936 Olympics in Berlin. day. I got my colour bag and into Her own Olympic past steeled her the weigh room, my ultimate dream for days like last Thursday and and then it’s take away from you. Sizing John’s withdrawal. “Yeah it’s character building, you As an eventer she qualified for become a team player. We had a both the 1980 and 1984 Games — winner that day and went on to only to miss out because of the have an amazing week. boycott in Moscow and a lame “You keep going.” horse in Los Angeles. A camera crew are videoing “It happens. You move on,” she Harrington’s string for a Punches- says. “I became chief driver, I drove town promo as they thunder down everyone everywhere. the track. “You don’t just sit and stew in “Jessie, you get more coverage your own juice. You help everyone than bloody Trump,” says Nicoll, else and put it behind you. laughing.

22 CHELTENHAM2018 KINGS OF CHELTENHAM 4 DAYS, 55 OFFERS *18+. Have fun - Bet responsibly - Dunlewey Addiction Services - 1800 93 67 25

WINNING TOUCH: Jessica with Emma (left) and Kate at Commonstown Stud in Kildare posing with Don’t Touch It

‘Jezki winning gave Dad another month. The adrenalin...’

At the end of the 1980s Har- done. Let’s look forward to the riding competitively, but she’s This week attention is centred on rington took out a trainer’s licence next.’ over that now. Thursday and Friday. and saddled her first winner Lady “Don’t keep thinking ‘what if’, She shares equine duties with Supasundae is favourite for the Olein at Leopardstown in because you’ve got to move on as Kate and office responsibilities Stayers’ Hurdle, Our Duke is the November 1991. quick as you can.” with Emma and after weathering shortest priced Irish horse in the Eight years later came a first Everything changed for the recession and breaking the Gold Cup and Rock The World and Cheltenham winner courtesy of Harrington with Moscow Flyer. glass ceiling, the ‘Three Musket- Don’t Touch It are leading fancies Space Trucker in the Grand Annual Over the course of eight eers’ as Nicoll labels them, are for the Grand Annual. — a race she won again last year memorable years the horse of a ready for anything. Not Many Left also goes in the with Rock The World. lifetime plundered a host of Grade Nicoll believes the secret to their Albert Bartlett on a bonanza final Ones, including an Arkle and two success is Harrington’s innate day. pace Trucker shared Champion Chases. knowledge of horses. This year will be different, not the same name as His final race was a charity race “She’s a tremendous rider. Great least because Alan and Ann Potts, Sa calamitous sci-fi that launched Kate’s riding career, horse sense,” he says. the owners of Supasundae, have but he will forever be associated That is in sharp contrast to passed away since last year’s win. movie starring Dennis with Geraghty. Willow, the pup whose curiosity There will be no Sizing John Hopper filmed at Ardmore Of the 44 times he raced, 26 of continually leads to last ditch either. Studios that Johnny had which ended in victory, Geraghty escapes from oncoming hooves. Whatever happens there will be was in the plate for 38 of those For the next few days Harrington no regrets. invested in. and Harrington admits to always But the highs have outweighed will rely on another kind of Puppy “I think what we’ve tried to do having a soft spot for the Power in the Cotswolds. since dad died is not get too the lows and Harrington has little Meathman. Back in the sitting-room the bogged down in the worry or what time for regrets. “Barry rode his first winner in team admit to superstition. ifs,” says Emma. “If you take all that baggage England for me. Fell off going to “I used to have my lucky spot in “Just enjoy what is happening. through, even to the next race, the start — which he didn’t admit the old stand at Cheltenham, but At least try. Enjoy the moment. that’s it,” says Harrington. for a long time!” she says, they knocked it down!” says “Even Sizing last year. He was “I remember Robert on Oscar laughing. “He was only 17 or 18. It Harrington. below the radar, there wasn’t a lot Wells at Cheltenham, he looked was Miss Orchestra in the They also get very animated of pressure going into it. like he was going to win. Midlands National. She was spooky during races. “We tried to enjoy the moment, “He jumped the last hurdle and and it was a warm day. “We were going nuts during the we thought we might never have a the horse lost its hind legs. “There were a lot of people, Gold Cup,” says Emma. horse running in the Gold Cup “Robert came in and he was standing there with prams and the “People were saying to us, ‘that again.” devastated. In his next race he had horse just spooked and he flew off. was the best fun ever watching Harrington knows the pitfalls Bostons Angel in the RSA. “But he still won.” you guys going insane. better than most. “I took the saddle from him and Injuries are hand in glove with “Even if it’s not necessarily a big She knows that you can’t always said, ‘Robert, go out there, have a the sport, both horse and human. race, we give them a big shout. get what you want. meeting with yourself, have a There was a time when We’re all very animated, dad was But if you try sometime, you find cigarette or whatever, but that’s Harrington couldn’t watch Kate the same. We always have been.” you get what you need.

CHELTENHAM2018 23