Fond memories of my two years in ‘The Western’

Goodbyes are never easy, especially when you have forged friendly working relationships with your colleagues.

Later this month, I will leave my role with the Western People to take on a new challenge - becoming Sports Editor of my native county paper, the Wicklow/Bray People.

The past two-plus years have been an immensely valuable experience in my journalism career.

With the Western People, I have had opportunities to cover elections, manage the publication’s digital output, and contribute to print editions, including writing about my overseas journeys following the Irish national team.

As I write this article, I look to my left, where three print pieces hang proudly on my wall from my time with this publication. I have always believed that enjoying your work is important, and that has certainly been the case during my time in Mayo.

Western People editor James Laffey, allowed me to deliver on the digital front, and I am grateful for the support he has given me throughout my time here. I will most definitely miss our daily phone calls on everything in the world of sports!

Attending this year’s Western People Sports Stars Awards was another memorable experience, as it demonstrated to me how much passion exists when wearing the green and red. As someone from the east of the country, I sincerely hope Mayo can finally get over the All-Ireland line.

I feel it is fitting that I will be attending a day of football in Croke Park on Saturday, where Mayo and Wicklow will contest significant fixtures.

While Mayo will aim to make their first All-Ireland Football Final since 2021, just before that, the Garden County could make history by triumphing in the Tailteann Cup Final.

It would be brilliant to see both counties conquer this weekend…

From Claremorris to Charlestown, and Ballina to Belcarra, I’ve had the privilege of discovering all aspects of the Mayo community, and it will certainly stand out when I look back on my time here.

Finally, I would like to offer my sincere thanks to everyone at the Western People. From editorial to advertising, it was a pleasure getting to know and work with you all. I have no doubt that our paths will cross again.

“Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” - Mark Twain