JOHN TREACY– Olympian and Irish Sports Council Chief Executive
What’s your earliest holiday memory?
We grew up in Villierstown, Co Waterford. For us that holiday was all of us going away for a week to my aunt and uncle’s farm in Ballyduff, Co Waterford, on the banks of the Blackwater. It was absolutely gorgeous.
What was your worst holiday?
I’ve never really had a bad holiday . However, I recall one holiday down in Glengariff, west Cork. There were five families staying together in a rented house and it rained non-stop for the week. Four of the families were from America, but they didn’t get too see much of the Ring of Kerry as we couldn’t see five feet ahead of us.
However, we just we shrugged of the rain and had a great time. They key was bringing a cook to make all the meals for us – so we dined for Ireland.
What was your best holiday?
When I lived in America, we used to go to Barbados every December with the family. We would just sit around in the sun and I’d go running. It was absolutely gorgeous.
Now we go to Spain every year. I sit in sun for half an hour, then get bored and want to do something. So it’s usually an active holiday and I go running every second day with golf games in between.
Last year, my wife Fionnuala and I were going on our own and my oldest son asked if he could come, followed by my second son and daughter. So we all went together and had a great time.
If budget or work were no restriction, what would be your dream holiday?
My wife and I have talked about doing a trip around north and south America. We could use the trip to catch up with lots of friends. We’d go to Florida, Aruba, Mexico, Phoenix and Los Angeles. We will probably take this holiday in the next few years.
If you had your pick, who would you bring on holiday with you?
Only one person, Fionnuala. She is my best friend and we’ve always had a good time together. She knows what I’m like and we enjoy each other’s company. Sometimes when I go on golfing trips, I miss her when away.
What’s your favourite place in Ireland?
Waterford is my favourite place, but then I’m a little biased! It has a lovely golf course and I can visit my family. I also love going up to Westport, and will take a trip there in August. It’s in a different time zone to the rest of us, so you’ve lots of late nights and good times.
Your recommended holiday reading?
I like to read no-brainer crime and fiction books on holidays. I don’t want high-flying books when I’m away as I get plenty of those with work. My wife reads constantly, so I normally get her to pick five books to bring that I’ll read too.
Where will you go to next?
I’m going to Marbella, Spain, in July to unwind.
John Treacy takes part in the Great Ethiopian Run this November in aid of Concern Worldwide. To take part in the 10k run, see concernchallenge.org
In conversation with GENEVIEVE CARBERY