Finally, Bro Colm O'Connel is honoured

Bro. Colm O’Connell, an athletics coach who has lived in Iten, Elgeyo-Marakwet County for 42 years, during the launch of O’Connell Street in Iten, Elgeyo-Marakwet County on August 18, 2018. The street was named in his honour for the contributions in the county and country at large. PHOTO |JARED NYATAYA |

What you need to know:

  • The ceremony to unveil the street was attended by area Governor Alex Tolgos, his Uasin Gishu counterpart Jackson Mandago, Elgeyo Marakwet Deputy Governor Wesley Rotich among others.

Renowned athletics coach Brother Colm O’Connell was on Saturday honoured for his contribution to the country's track and field events in the last four decades.

O’Connell, who arrived in the country in July 1976, was feted by the County Government of Elgeyo Marakwet which named one of the streets in Iten Town after him as he marked his 70th birthday.

The street named O’Connell bears a similarity with a street in Dublin, Ireland where Bro Colm hails from.

Iten is undisputed capital of Kenyan distance running, a discipline that the country dominates internationally.

O'Connell is credited with starting the a female athletics camp in Iten in the early 1990s when he trained and hosted World Champion Sally Barsosio, Rose Cheruiyot, and world junior champion Lydia Cheromei (all of whom lived in O'Connell's house).

The street leads to St Patrick’s Boys High School, Iten where he has been living for the last 42 years.
“I had just arrived back home after my usual morning walk when I was ambushed by five men familiar to me. It is while on the way here that they told me what was awaiting me,” said a joyful O’Connell.

“I feel very humbled and honoured after being recognised on my birthday. I did not expect this to happen. To me it is total surprise,” added O'Connell.

The Irish man retired as headmaster at St Patrick’s School in Iten, where he lives with the Patrician Brothers.

“I fell in love with this place when I arrived. All the young people who have passed through my hands over the years have made a tremendous contribution to my life as well.”

The ceremony to unveil the street was attended by area Governor Alex Tolgos, his Uasin Gishu counterpart Jackson Mandago, Elgeyo Marakwet Deputy Governor Wesley Rotich among others.