Here's the rub

Irish Athletes largely go unsung unless they occupy the same high-energy orbit as Sonia O'Sullivan and Catherina McKiernan. But in the recently-selected Irish Europa Cup team, which will compete in Finland on June 5th-6th, Ann Keenan-Buckley's name stands out as one of Ireland's remarkable runners.

Now 37-years-old, the mother of two has again been asked to compete over 3,000 metres, having been ever-present in Irish teams since she ran in the Seoul Olympic Games in 1988. Approximately nine world cross country championships later, including Belfast earlier this year where she was team captain, Keenan-Buckley is looking towards another rewarding season. Indeed, she already split the African challenge at this year's Ras na hEireann in Dunleer to claim third place.

Whether Keenan-Buckley's success owes anything to one of her other sporting interests is debatable. A physio and masseur, Keenan-Buckley is part of the Laois hurling backroom team and is regularly to be found rubbing the strapping legs of the county's hurlers.