The Swiss Connection
Angela, Renata & Beat Herger, Ann at Hollymount 2012.. (photo – Trish Forde)
Renata Herger and her husband Beat from Männedorf in Switzerland are frequent visitors to Mayo and take all their holidays at Tourmakeady near Lough Mask. They are both recreational runners in the 50+ category (“hobby” as Renata says) and enjoyed participating in the Cong 8k back in June this year. Renata got in touch with the website in early October looking for a race when they next visited. We pointed them in the direction of Hollymount on 11th November. Renata ran the 3k “though it is too short and too fast for me” . She has been in contact with us again by email since their return to Switzerland and takes up the story:
” I liked Hollymount very much and I was happy to meet two very nice ladies in their forties after the run. They were both very kind to me and we made the cool-down together. One was Angela O’Connor (I saw her picture on Mayo News from Belfast) and the other was Ann (from Foxford). Both were members of Mayo AC and very good runners! My husband was also there with me, but could not run because of knee surgery.
We were very impressed by your club, there is such a warm atmosphere between the runners and as I told you before especially Angela and Ann, who were so openhearted and nice to me. I met also Pauline at the end of the cool down.
As soon as possible I would like to be a member of your club, we plan to spend all our freetime in Mayo, maybe I could be a passive member and support you in a way from far away…
You know, it is very nice to feel so welcome somewhere and to enjoy such a warm atmosphere as a stranger. We live in a very well situated country with no economic problems – but what we can see in Ireland, especially in an area like Mayo, you cannot have for any price, and I hope very much that a lot of Irish people are strong enough to be courageous to believe in a future in their country. I care a lot of what happens in your country and when time is ready, I would like to try to build up something in the area of Ballinrobe and give supports in the work with old people. I live near a home for old people here in Männedorf and I love my work very much. Beat and I are sure that sometimes we will be home in Mayo – of course not to get rich….but for being at the right place which is much more important…
Thanks for all and if you could get a Mayo AC shirt for me that would be great! Send me the bill of course, I would be delighted to have it.
As soon as possible I would like to be a member of your club, we plan to spend all our freetime in Mayo, maybe I could be a passive member and support you in a way from far away…”
Renata Herger from Switzerland
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A wonderful feelgood and encouraging message on many levels – we look forward to seeing Renata and Beat when they next visit Ireland and take part in some races in the area.
Renata’s husband Beat has sent photos and we have also a photo supplied courtesy of Trish Forde taken after the race.
at the 3k start
Angela, Pauline, Ann, and Renata