There is a very thin line between triumph and tragedy. In sport we often blithely associate the latter with defeat or a failure to perform.
Yesterday however, sport and tragedy crossed each others paths for real when Brendan O’Connell, a 69 year old volunteer from Tralee, died in a crash in Donegal while acting as a motorcycle steward on the Cycle against Suicide.
Nobody expects not to return from volunteering in sport. The act of giving of your time, your energy and your experience deserves a reward of the spirit, never a death.
No sport could take place without the huge commitment that so many people make every day, every week, every year.
Brendan O’Connell’s death is not the first, nor will it be the last in sport. But every time someone is taken we should pause and reflect on what we have; on what we give back to those around us; and how each of us has a responsibility to ensure people are given an opportunity to do things that really matter to them and to their community.
No decision has been taken at time of writing on whether the Cycle against Suicide will continue on its remaining four days.
It was to have been an important part of the great festival that is the Grande Partenza of the Giro d’Italia. Death has cast a shadow over those festivities now in a way that no one could have foretold.
Sport will of course bounce back. Sinews will strain and dark thoughts blown away in the adrenaline rush of fighting to be the best or watching others strive to be so.
Perhaps that will be a legacy for some of those who are facing demons of depression, and for whom the Cycle against Suicide is aimed at trying to help.
Jim Breen, his organisers, and all those who have played a part in a great event should wipe away their sadness and celebrate Brendan O’Connell’s life in sport in whatever way they feel is best, either by continuing the ride or heading home to regroup again.
May he rest in peace.
