Cormac Dalton - A Testimonial

To whom it may concern,

I am a distance runner in DCU’s athletic academy, and I am writing to you to in concern of the recent dismissal of the Director of Athletics, Enda Fitzpatrick. I, along with every athlete who is involved and who has ever been involved with Enda in DCU, feel that this decision should be reconsidered.

Enda has an incredible reputation after taking over a program without a win to its name and transforming it to 190 team titles, becoming the leading force of athletics in Ireland. I find it hard to believe the sequence of events that have led to his dismissal, especially after DCU Athletics’ most successful year to date. He is a man who always has DCU athlete’s best interest at heart, a man who cares for and supports each one of us, no matter the personal cost.

Personally, he was the man that gave me a chance at athletics in college. After a tough few years of injury in secondary school, I had a good 6th year running but found it tough with studying also. I ran a good 3000m that Summer, but some coaches still would not have given me a chance. Athletics was always my passion and my dream. Enda gave me a chance though. I took this chance, and since have represented Ireland and transitioned into senior athletics with the aim to truly leave a mark in Irish athletics.

My point being; I would not be where I am if not for Enda Fitzpatrick and his outstanding program.

What you should take from this statement is that I know hundreds over other people, athletes or not, could say the same thing about this man. He has built a true empire of athletics, and a family, which I cannot simply stand by and watch as The Father of it be dealt with in this way.

I believe the circumstances around this dismissal has been truly reckless and inconsiderate to everyone involved.

The man in charge of the futures of DCU’s athletes had his secondment unrenewed, unfairly in my opinion, and not one word has been mentioned to any athlete in DCU as to cater for our concerns. This happening around exam time has been truly upsetting, stressful and completely inconsiderate. It is both Enda and our future’s that face the repercussions of this decision, yet no plans have been put in place in order to protect any of us. This is extremely unnerving around exam time, with a clear lack of certainty and protection in our position here in DCU.

It is for this reason that I, and many others, find it hard to see ourselves competing for DCU athletics in these uncertain and unfair circumstances. I certainly hope you will consider this decision again. Enda Fitzpatrick does not deserve it, and neither do the athletes of DCU.

Regards,

Cormac Dalton.