Бывший почтальон из Эннискиллена, начавший бег в 50 лет, вдохновляет сообщество примером позднего старта

FOR Enniskillen man Ian Birney, life has always been about family, community and helping others along the way. Ian was well into his 50s before he discovered running, and he has been making up for lost time ever since. While running has become a big part of his life, though, it is only one chapter in the story of a man who has become a familiar and much-loved figure in the Fermanagh community. Local roots For 38 years, he has delivered post around Enniskillen, getting to know generations of people on the familiar streets. He is also a driving instructor, following his father Albert into the profession alongside his brothers. “My father taught people all across Fermanagh to drive, and then my brothers and I decided we wanted to follow in his footsteps. “You meet people now who you taught to drive 20 years ago, and it’s great to see how they’ve gone on.” That connection with people has been a constant throughout Ian’s life. The youngest of three brothers, Ian grew up in Enniskillen with Nigel and Trevor, with sport always a big part of family life. His brothers were heavily involved in sport, with Nigel going on to play football in the Irish League, while Ian describes himself as something of a ‘late starter’. “Both my parents gave us great support in anything we did and were delighted to see our individual achievements.” Ian married Barbara and together they have three daughters, Lauren, Rachel and Megan, and five grandchildren. Ian with his wife and grandchildren. Giving back For many years, work and family came first, leaving little time for himself. “I think in the early days, when you’ve got three daughters, there are sometimes times in your life when you’re working and you’ve got a family, and you don’t have the time to do other things. “Sometimes you don’t look after yourself.” It was only in his 50s that Ian began making more time for himself, taking part in his first marathon in Galway Bay in 2018 while raising money for a local Parkinson’s support group. “I fell in love with running,” he said. Running eventually became another way for Ian to meet people and give something back. Through Enniskillen Running Club, where he became chairman, he helped bring back the Enniskillen 10K, establish a weekly social run and bring the Trust 10K to Castle Coole. He has also helped organise the Enniskillen Spooktacular, raising thousands for local causes including Ellie’s Retreat and Women’s Aid. “It’s not about how fast you can run, it’s about being able to take part. “You meet so many different people and a friendship begins.” But some of Ian’s most important memories have nothing to do with sport. Family first His father Albert suffered from Lewy body dementia, and Ian remains proud of being able to bring him home after a long stay at Oak B in Omagh so the family could care for him. “Being able to bring Dad home to his own house and care for him after a long stay at Oak B in Omagh and not to a nursing home, and to give Mum that time with him.” His father’s illness also gave Ian a personal connection to the work of the FTD Brothers in Enniskillen. “My father did suffer from dementia. As a personal story, a personal journey for me as well, with the boys out there in Enniskillen, it meant so much to me.” Over the years, Ian’s life has taken him far beyond Enniskillen too. He has completed marathons in New York, London and Berlin and shared memorable moments with people including Colin Farrell and Emma Fogarty. But when asked about his proudest achievements, his answer is much closer to home. “I’ll always be proud of our three daughters, Lauren, Rachel and Megan and now grandchildren.” And there is one person he wishes could have seen everything that came afterwards. “I just wish my dad was around to see my running achievements, and place that finishers medal on him.” Ian with his parents Albert and Jean. Lasting impact Today, Ian is still looking for ways to encourage others, whether through his community work, running, or simply the everyday connections he has built throughout his life. He believes it is never too late to do something for yourself. “I think a lot of people, in your lifetime, can be very busy. You get married, then you have children, you’re working, and the whole focus goes on those things. “But it is very important. I think it’s never too late to start, and the benefits of keeping fit and keeping healthy are more important nowadays than ever.” “Not just for physical health but your mental well being too.” Ian points to his 87-year-old mother, who still enjoys a busy social life and meets friends regularly, as another inspiration to stay active. So what does he want to be remembered for? Not the miles or the medals, but the people he has helped along the way. “Some of the most special moments for me is seeing charities we have supported through Enniskillen running club. “It makes me very proud.”