PICTURES: Track legend Frank O'Mara launches inspiring memoir in his native Limerick

FOR MORE PHOTOS PRESS THE ARROW OR NEXT ON THE SLIDESHOW 

FRANK O’Mara, former three-time Olympian, who competed for Ireland at the Los Angeles, Seoul, and Barcelona Games, and who was also twice World Indoor Champion over 3000m,  launched his book 'Bend Don’t Break, a Memoir of Endurance' in his native Limerick.

Frank, who was born and brought up in Caherdavin has had an athletic career most people only dream of, and it was wonderful to see so many former athletic friends gather in the Strand Hotel in Limerick to celebrate Frank's achievements.

In addition, sports people from the rugby, hurling and football fields were also in attendance at what was a very enjoyable reunion of so many of Frank's friends and sports colleagues.

Many former students and teachers from St Munchins College where Frank spent so many years nurturing and perfecting his athletic talent also turned up to welcome him home and wish him success.

The book was officially launched by the Mayor of Limerick Cllr Ger Mitchell who spoke of Frank’s marvellous athletics career and the resilience he has displayed dealing with Parkinson’s.

Frank's life changed forever at the age of 48 when he was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson’s disease. The progression was rapid, causing severe muscle cramps, tremors, and eventually the inability to walk and at times even speak.

In this inspiring memoir, Frank O'Mara recounts his battle with the illness. At first in denial, he eventually found the strength that made him successful as an athlete and in business - using determination and humour to weather the worst phases of the condition.

The book took him two years to write and was a slow process as he said himself at the launch but he was determined to get it done to relay the message about the progress that is being made in treating Parkinson's, particularly around the area of Deep Brain Stimulation and the impact it can have on sufferers.

Frank's courage in meeting the huge challenges of his illness has been praised by his former athletic peers who would have known him and competed against him in his successful running career.

Among them, three -time Olympian Eamonn Coghlan who said: “His bravery, his fight to survive and the manner in which he’s dealt with adversity is simply awe-inspiring.”

Steve Ovett, Olympic gold medallist and British middle distance runners added: ” I found it almost impossible to put down, and it’s beautifully written.”

John Walker also an Olympic gold medallist and middle distance runner from New Zealand said: “I thoroughly recommend Frank’s book. As a fellow Parkinson’s sufferer, diagnosed in 1995, I learned a lot from Frank’s journey and perspective. A compelling read.”

Frank spent 11 years at Arkansas University in the US to where he had earned a scholarship, and became only the third Irish man ever to win NCAA [National Collegiate Athletic Association] 1500m. He graduated with degrees in engineering, business and law.

He started his business career as a lawyer for Allied Wireless where he later became chief marketing officer, and later CEO of Allied Wireless.

Frank has been married to Patty Olberts for 33 years and they have three children, Jack, Colin, and Harry. Frank was joined at the launch of his book by his wife and his son Jack and the extended O’ Mara family.

The book “Bend Don’t Break, a Memoir of Endurance” is on sale at O’Mahony’s Bookshop and comes highly recommended.

Photographer Dermot Lynch was on hand to capture all the moments from the book launch.