Athlone doctor takes part in triathlon months after cancer treatment

Participating in a triathlon is a real personal challenge but for one Athlone woman it was major achievement, as she only completed cancer treatment just months prior to the event. Well-known local GP Dr Ursula O'Neill participated in the swim section of the successful Waterways Ireland Triathlone at the weekend, an experience she described as "super". "It's my third triAthlone but this year was extra special after I spent a couple of months in St Luke's for treatment for a tumour on my lung," she explained this week, having spent much of October, November and December receiving radiation and chemotherapy in the capital. Indeed, it is not the first battle with cancer for the brave Athlone woman, who underwent a double mastectomy some years ago. Speaking from the Burren in Clare yesterday (Tuesday) where she was taking a well-earned rest photographing orchids, the popular local doctor reflected on the triathlon event with great pride. "I loved every minute of it. I got a bit emotional when I came underneath the White Bridge. It was a good job I was in the water because I was crying," she said. "I was just so happy to be part of it, I'll be 67 next year." "The object was to get in and do it. I let everyone off and I just motored along at my own pace. It was much easier than last year because I knew then there was something wrong with me then. My breathing was all over the shop. But this time it was comfortable," Ursula recalled. The Waterways Ireland Triathlone was a real family affair for Ursula O'Neill as her daughter Grainne and son Olaf also took part in the gruelling event. "It was a super day with my son and daughter doing it as well along with a big gang of people I know," she explained. But Ursula is not resting there and already is thinking ahead and she hopes to have another foray swimming in the Shannon next year, something she really enjoys. "I'm hoping to do it next year and I'll do it for the hospice. As long as I'm here I'll do it. It's proving a bit difficult to get rid of me," she laughed.