Bend, Don't Break: A Memoir of Endurance

(Paperback)

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Description

Victory is a life well lived or a day enjoyed.

Limerick man Frank OMara had the athletics career most only dream of, competing for Ireland in three Olympic Games and breaking Irish and world records. After his retirement from running, he settled in the US with his family and made his way to the top of the telecoms industry.

Then at age forty-eight, his life changed forever when he was diagnosed with early onset Parkinsons 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 recounts his battle with Parkinsons. 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 disease. He learned to face each hurdle as he came to it: to bend, but not break.

One mans life-affirming story of facing adversity with grace and courage.

Reviews

unflinchingchallengingtruly inspiring At almost 300 pages it is a challenging read in parts, and truly inspiring in others, with OMaras initial denial of the violent clutches of this disease soon surrendering to his willingness to battle on with it. Its not without its humour

-- Ian O'Riordan, Irish Times

Imagine a sports star writing an autobiography and not including a single paragraph about what is, to most, their biggest achievement. Imagine them sitting down across several years, writing out in painstaking detail, at a painstaking, pedestrian pace, the story of their life, only to deem two world titles unworthy of a mention. Frank OMara is different. Always has been.

-- Cathal Dennehy, Irish Examiner

an in-depth and often inspirational picture of a genuinely remarkable man

-- Darragh McManus, Sunday Independent

this memoir, moving and inspiring (a letter written to his seriously sick father, when he was 15, reveals a son's love as well as his desire to win), is a story of achievement, fortitude and belief

-- RTE Guide

not the normal sporting memoir an incredible read

-- Ireland AMs Book Club

what a book this is - Jarlath Regan. I loved it - Sonia OSullivan

-- Irishman Running Abroad pod

inspiring comes highly recommended

-- Limerick Leader

really, really inspirational one for everyone

-- Limericks Live 95s Limerick Today

an enthralling and inspirational read

-- Irish Runner Magazine