‘Huge relief’ as athlete’s gold medals recovered

The mother of a Clonard athlete says it is a “huge relief” that her son’s two stolen European Championships gold medals have been recovered.

Geraldine Regan had pleaded for the return of the medals that Liam Foley won at the Sport Union for Athletes with Down Syndrome European Championships in Italy last month after a bag in which they were in was stolen from Aura in Trim on Wednesday week last.

Gardaí searched an overgrown area on Haggard Street in Trim on the Thursday evening and the stolen items were located. Liam had an emotional reunion with his treasured medals the following morning.

The 26-year-old Trim AC member set a new European record in the 800m men’s race in Padova with a time of 2:55.63, in his first international track event.

The seasoned road runner also won gold in the 1500m, men’s race by beating his Italian competitor at the line.

Geraldine said: “He is absolutely delighted that they (the medals) have been found, we are all so relieved. The medals are worthless to anyone else but are priceless to Liam.”

“I can’t thank Trim gardaí enough especially Edel Dugdale, who got the medals back.”

Geraldine said Liam had his bag in the locker but he left his key in the pocket of a jacket in the cubicle; the key was accessible to other people and when he went back, the bag wasn’t in the locker.

“He was very upset, he didn’t remember until later on that the medals were in the bag, and was more concerned about his phone charger and his work badge. But then panic set in. He has worked so hard for those medals, you don’t win medals for your country every day.”

Garda Edel Dugdale, a native of Delvin, said when she heard about the stolen medals, she “made it her mission” to find them for her “inspirational friend”.

“I have known Liam a long time through my work as community guard in Trim and I know how hard he works on his running, in fact everyone in the community knows,” she said.

“I was very proud of Liam when he won gold at the European Championships this year. I heard about the medals going missing, when I was at home, and I made it my business on Thursday morning to follow up on enquiries and information I had into where the property could be,” she added.

“I was so delighted to be able to return the medals to Liam as I know how hard he has worked to achieve his wins,” she said.

“Liam’s commitment to his passion of sports is inspirational. Every time you meet him, he is smiling. He has the biggest heart and I’m proud to call him my friend.”