John Reilly, a 63-year-old from Lisatoo near Stradone, recently completed a remarkable triathlon in honor of his coach, James Walton, who was diagnosed with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME). Reilly’s journey from not knowing how to swim a decade ago to completing an extensive triathlon is both inspiring and heartfelt.
Reilly’s athletic journey began in 2014 after seeing an advertisement for a triathlon, which ignited his passion. Before then, he had dabbled in football and golf, but it was the challenge of the triathlon that truly captured his interest. He started with swimming lessons at Cavan Leisure Complex and gradually worked his way up through various races, eventually participating in major events like the Iron Man in Barcelona in 2017.
Despite a chest infection in 2022 that thwarted his plans for the Iron Man in Lanzarote, Reilly’s dedication remained unshaken. He eventually completed the Lanzarote Iron Man, a significant achievement that underscored his commitment to the sport and his coach.
James Walton, a Derry-native and Irish International triathlete, played a pivotal role in Reilly’s journey. Walton, who had a promising sports career, was diagnosed with ME, a condition characterized by debilitating fatigue and other severe symptoms, in October 2023. The condition significantly impacted Walton’s life, curtailing his athletic pursuits and leading to a change in focus towards advocacy and support for those with ME.
In response to Walton’s diagnosis and to raise awareness about ME, Reilly devised his own triathlon event, named the ‘Cavan 2-2-2’. This grueling challenge consisted of a 2-kilometer swim in Annagh Lake, a 200-kilometer cycle to Derrylin and back, and a 20-kilometer run to the Peace Statue in Cavan Town. Reilly was joined by his son Cormac, triathlon trainer Darren Dunne, and friends Colin Monaghan and Ciaran Broderick for various segments of the race.
Reilly’s triathlon was more than just a physical feat; it was a heartfelt tribute to Walton and a way to raise funds and awareness for ME. The event raised significant money for Hope 4 M.E. and Fibro, a UK-based charity dedicated to supporting ME patients and advocating for specialized services. Reilly’s contribution of an additional £1,700 to the cause reflects his deep respect and gratitude for Walton.
Through this event, Reilly not only honored his coach but also shed light on the struggles faced by those with ME, emphasizing the importance of awareness and support for this often-misunderstood condition.
