This month’s Paddler profile talks to Gerry Murphy, highly successful racing paddler and the recent winner of the Erne Marathon Race. Gerry will be competing at the WPFG event in August, and we wish him the very best of luck!
Where were you born?
Enniskillen
Where do you live now?
Enniskillen
Age?
53
Occupation?
Fire Service
How old were you when you started kayaking?
10
Where was this?
St Michaels Canoe Club, Enniskillen
Who introduced you to the sport?
Declan Burns.
Is this person still an influence on you?
Yes Declan is still an influence helping with training programs, technique and setting up boats.
What did you like about the sport when you first began?
Loved to be on the water and progressing from general purpose boats to K1 and then to racing.
Did you become a regular paddler quite quickly?
Group paddling in K boats with St Michaels and then Enniskillen Canoe Club became a regular part of my sporting and social life at a young age.
What’s your favourite place to paddle in Ireland, and why?
It’s hard to beat Lough Erne, No matter what the weather is like you will almost always get out to paddle.
What’s your favourite place to paddle ever, and why?
The Olympic Canoe course in Barcelona. Paddled there in 2001 world police and fire games, 30 degrees, flat water and a slight tail wind, what more could you ask for.
How old were you when you first started competing?
11
What do you most enjoy about competing?
Being competitive, feeling the boat is running well and winning.
What do you enjoy when you’re not paddling?
I have a busy life when not paddling have to catch up on all the long finger jobs about the house
What’s your favourite piece of music?
Crazy World by Aslan.
What’s your favourite film?
Shawshank redemption
What’s your favourite food?
Italian
What’s your goal for the coming year?
Irish Masters Rowing Championships, World Police and Fire Games events
What’s your motto?
The older I get the better I was.
Thanks Gerry, and Good Luck
