Author: Patrick Muldoon
Bhí grá mhór agam don Gaeilge ó raibh mé i mo dhéagóir. Mhothaigh mé tairbhe mo eispéireais i Gaeltacht gConamara ar an toirt. Thug sé an-sásamh dom a bheith ag obair sa Gaeilge agus le déanaí chuaigh mé go dtí Oideas Gael i nDún na nGall chun mo scileanna teanga a feabhsú. De réir an eispéireas seo tá an dúil sa Gaeilge, sa cultúr agus sa oidhreacht agam.
I had the great privilege of spending three wonderful days in Paris from 3 – 6 August for the 2024 Olympic Games. I was looking forward to this trip for the past eighteen months, having booked a package of tickets for the Games when they initially went on sale in February 2023. I knew it was a unique opportunity to make a trip of a lifetime and I wanted to be there.
Contracting Covid recently made me realise how much I needed a retreat again. It forced me to slow down and reflect and listen to my body. After beginning a full-time job four months ago and driving a daily round trip of 88 kilometres by car my routine became busier, and I felt I was beginning to experience the symptoms of burnout. Life felt more peaceful when I stopped, to take time to rest for a while. Even one hour of stillness I find does wonders for the soul.
Recently I attended a Running Retreat with Emerald Isle Tours at Praia da Falésia in Albufeira, Portugal. I booked this trip when I first saw it advertised in January. When I saw the words ‘running’ and ‘retreat’ together I knew this was for me. It offered the unique opportunity to go on a holiday with a difference – to step away from the busyness of life – like any other retreat I’ve been on – while also being able to connect with other like-minded people and enhance my enjoyment of running.
All vocations have a purpose and a mission. I firmly believe that God has always been calling me in my life. As I emerged from my young adult years I had a more definite sense of the Holy Spirit’s promptings to use my gifts. I’ve been fortunate in various jobs to do so. While there have been ups and downs looking back, I would have it no other way…My love of running and my faith helps to strive to live my best life and communicate Good News!