KEITH KELLY, THE coach of Martin Fagan, says the anger he felt when he found out about the runner’s drug use quickly turned to concern for his friend.
The Westmeath native faces a disciplinary hearing in Dublin later today after failing a doping test last month and admitting to taking the banned substance EPO.
A string of injuries, financial problems and depression left the Olympic marathon runner at rock bottom and he revealed yesterday that he wasn’t trying to win medals, or break records – he just wanted to feel normal again.
Kelly, a close friend since 2001, became his coach in December in 2010 and although he understands why other athletes might be upset by the news, he is more interested in Fagan’s well-being.
“If it wasn’t Martin and it was someone I didn’t know, I would be (angry) too,” he said in an interview on Newstalk’s Off The Ball last night.
But the frustration soon disappeared and I just felt concerned for my friend.
“It began to make sense to me. It wasn’t about a performance-enhancing, he was trying to get back to neutral.”
Kelly explained that he was always aware of the 28-year-old’s struggle with his mental health, but that he never dealt with it properly.
He pinpoints the Chicago Marathon of last year as a breaking point. It was looking likely that the Arizona-based athlete would do well for a time and qualify for this year’s Olympics but after beginning too hard, ended up failing to finish because of exhaustion.
“Mentally and physically, he felt he was doomed after that. He had also got himself into huge debt with all the travel to Phoenix for his physiotherapist.”
A former distinguished runner himself, Kelly is well aware of the demands which face Irish athletes. He explains that unless you’re at the top very top level of the sport, it’s a career which can take its toll on a person.
I’ve talked with other athletes who have confided in me about dark periods,” he added.
“Running is a particularly tough sport. It’s very hard on the body and the mind. Depression is very prevalent.”
Listen to the interview on Newstalk’s OTB
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The Sport Ireland statement is a strange one “he bore no significant fault or negligence”- While I’d doubt he intentionally took the substance it was most definitely negligent not to check with the team nutritionist if the substance was legal or not
Brendan O Sullivan got off lightly. Would the sports council have been so lenient if he was an athlete or cyclist.
No one forced O Sullivan to take the illegal supplement. It was the height of stupidly not to check with the team doctor.
As for Marc O Se to say he was unaware of O Sullivan’s use of an illegal supplement. Did he never ask where’s Brendan?
@Diarmuid: the banned substance was not in a supplement but in a sports drink, similar to Lucozade sport. That’s why he got off so lightly
Kimmage will be all over this like a rash. “Now hang on Joe! This is important!”
@Marks Awarded: he was on the same time as O Se and you’re correct. That’s exactly how it went
OSullivan had no idea what he took, it was in a drink. I believe that.
What I dont believe is Marc O’Se saying he had no idea, thats bullsh!t.
But fair play to the Kerry boys for closing ranks and keeping this quite. Best of luck to anyone who can beat these, that sort of loyalty and respect is hard to beat!!
Imagine if this was Diarmuid Connolly or another Dublin player.. Ud have fools tarnishing they’re All Ireland wins .. If its Kerry its ok just a mistake
Kerry didn’t win an AIl Ireland last year.