Interview with Don O’Dowd, father of Matty O’Dowd
Matty is Ireland's representative in the Laser Radial Class at the ISAF Youth World Championships 2010 at Istanbul
Do you travel to the events?
No, Matty is mature enough now to look after himself, having travelled to New Zealand both this year and last year he's well capable of looking after himself...
Once Matty has the credit card he can sort anything out.
Will you be in Istanbul?
No, it will be hot enough in Istanbul and it certainly doesn't need me to add to the temperature.
What are his chances?
That's a difficult one, it all depends on the conditions. If it blows he will fly and ironically if its light he could also do well. The problem with the Laser is in medium airs a lot of the technique advantages one perfects are somewhat negated. Also the Laser fleets at the ISAF's have by way and far the biggest numbers, there are 56 boys/nations competing and 51 girls/ nations. So it’s not easy, lets wait and see and pray.
What support have you got?
Great, the YSS has been brilliant. There's no doubt it has significantly helped Matty achieve his personal goals in relation to sailing.
The level or standard of coaching he has received due to the support of the YSS is what has given him the edge. Johnny (Ross-Murphy) has been excellent at keeping Matty focused and has guided and pushed along the way.
The availability of the ISA boats throughout Europe has also been a great help. It makes the logistics of international events very easy, Matty can fly into a venue, race and then fly home, beats having to trail boats allover Europe. Rory Fitzpatrick has been vey helpful to Matty as he prepares for the ISAF's.
How does it work for you with school / schoolwork?
Blackrock College has been hugely supportive and proud of Matty's achievements.
They allowed him to travel to New Zealand for 2 months last year while he was in transition year and again this year for the month of February. They even post his successes on all the school Notice Boards. However Matty has to work hard on making up for lost time it's a two way deal.
What about personal development for Matty?
This has been huge. Matty has matured greatly over the past two years. He has realized that success comes with a price, and that you only get out off anything what you are prepared to put into it, he sees the pay off of his efforts in his results. He now has a taste for winning having won 7 of his last 8 events in Ireland.
Are you a sailing family?
Yes, madly so. I have sailed all my life and Jonathan my older son is a very competitive sailor as well. Helen even joins in, she loves cruising on nice big boats particularly Mick Cotters!!!
What would you say to other parents?
Go for it. It has been a wonderful experience and opportunity although nerve racking at times.
It has been super to see Matty's talent being developed by excellent coaching.
Have you any advices?
Yeh, listen to Johnny Ross he hasn't been wrong yet.
Regrets?
Absolutely none.
Does it take up much of your time?
No in fairness not much of mine, but a lot of Matty's. He has given up most of his school holidays for the past two years so as to raise the bar and get to where he is today, however he is a willing participant as he really loves to compete, and he loves his sailing.
Final word?
Hope it all comes together for him, he has really worked hard for it, and most of it has been fun too.
