A 77-year-old former president of the GAA has returned home to Crossmolina, Co Mayo, after winning four medals in the US at the World Senior Games.
Dr Mick Loftus, who was president of the GAA from 1985 to 1988, was competing in the 75-79 year-olds' events category in St George, Utah. Competitors from 50 countries took part in the games.
Dr Loftus, who can still run a mile in 9½ minutes, is a well-known campaigner against excessive drinking. He praised the organisers given there was no alcohol advertising at the games.
"I am very happy with the medals I won. I won gold in the 3,000m in a time of 20 minutes and 8 seconds, and I won silver in the 800m, 1500m and 5000m races. I have been invited back again next year when I will still be able to run in the 75-79 year-old events," he said.
Dr Loftus was a substitute on the last Mayo team to win the All-Ireland senior football title in 1951.
"I train virtually every day in Gortnor Abbey school here in Crossmolina, but I found the heat very difficult in Utah. It was in the 80s most days. But it was a great feeling to come down the winning stretch and hear the PA man say I was from Crossmolina in Ireland.
"I was the only Irish athlete who took part, and I carried the Irish flag during the opening ceremony, which was a fantastic spectacle. Legendary Olympic swimmer Mark Spitz performed the official opening, and the whole organisation of the Games was superb."
Two years ago, Dr Loftus broke the world 2,000m record for 75-79 year-olds, and he says he is looking forward to many more years of running.