One has to marvel at the enthusiasm and determination of those people who follow their dream and ideals – whether they be of a sporting, cultural, academic or commercial nature. Last weekend saw Owen O’Keefe achieve yet another goal by swimming the Blackwater non-stop from Fermoy to Youghal – and all this, hot on the heels of having completed a 55Km swim around Jersey as well as being part of a six-person relay team that set an Irish record for swimming the Channel. Both these feats were completed in July.

The past week also saw Corkman Rob Heffernan achieve his dream by becoming world champion in Moscow in the 50K walk. His down-to-earth and never-say-die attitude is to be admired and should be the catalyst for anyone who has a hunch or an idea bubbling in the background.

This week, we should also acknowledge the achievements of Bill Power whose ‘toadstool’ photograph was chosen over pictures from all over the world to bring him gold and of young Gormfhlaith Ní Shíocháin Ní Bheoláin from Fermoy who took first place in the All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil in Derry for her talents on tin whistle.

With so much negativity all around us, these are some of the good news stories, the ‘can do’s’ that keep the spirits lifted and are an inspiration to us all!