Carlow man to represent Ireland in powerlifting
Mark Murphy (right) with his coach Shane Storey
A MAN with Carlow connections is to represent his country on the world stage in powerlifting.
Mark Murphy from Ballylinan will compete at the WPC World Powerlifting Championships in South Africa in November. Mark currently trains out of Best Body Gym in Carlow, where he has become a familiar face through his commitment and focus.
The 40-year-old new father said: “It would mean so much to finish in the top three - it would be a real bonus. For Sally (Sarah Hayden) and our six-month-old daughter Saoirse we are all going through this (preparation) for the championships. For Sally, especially, she barely sees me when I go out to work, come home and then I’m gone again, training. She has a lot to deal with.”
The builder outlined that he has been involved in the sport for the past 12 years and knows what a long road it can be to make it through to the championships.
“I was due to attend before but had a couple of injuries so couldn’t go. But thanks to guidance and help from (coach) Shane Storey I feel I’m doing well. He has helped me with my training which I do four nights a week and my nutritional needs.
“The national record is 285 kilos and hopefully I’ll be able to tackle that soon.”
A GoFundMe campaign 'Support Mark on his Journey to the World Stage' has been set up to make this opportunity a reality. Between flights, accommodation, equipment, entry fees, and other travel-related costs, the total expenses add up quickly.
Mark explained that when he made it through this year’s championships, he believed he would be able to self-finance the costs of the world event.
“I’ve been saving money as best I can but there are so many hidden extras you have to pay for such as drug testing, buses etc and that all mount up. So every little bit of money helps and I’m so grateful for the donations that I have received so far. It really means a lot.”
Mark and Sally are hoping to raise €2,600 to help cover these costs.
