Lynx Wild West Sailing onboard reporter for the SSE Round Ireland Yacht Race Damien shares a little about himself, from 4 legs to two wheels and Atlantic swell he’s no stranger to ups and downs.
Name
Damien Duggan
What’s your job/profession?
CMO of MODMO, wannabe Wild West Sailing ship mate and on board reporter for the race.
Who is someone you admire, and why?
There are so many people who I admire who have inspired me in life but having spent a lifetime involved in sports and racing of one type or another, the people I admire the most are those volunteers and coaches that give up their free time for the love of their sport just to help others, they are the unsung heroes in my opinion and they are right across society in every aspect of life.
Tell me three pet peeves.
Being late, being disorganised, and anything to do with dishwashers. (The machines)
What’s a typical day like for you?
“I get up in the evening, and I ain’t got nothing to say” I come home in the morning, I go to bed feeling the same way” ah them were the days!!
Not very exciting. Up at 7:30 am, get ready and herd the kids out to school. Usually into a few meetings then breakfast around 11:30 am. More meetings, then school run before feeding time at the zoo. I try to get sailing or ride my mountain bike most days or at least do some work on one of the above.
Do you have any skills or talents that most people don’t know about or maybe would prefer not to know about?
I used to be a national hunt jockey in a previous life so I guess that’s a skill or maybe a surprise to some people.
If you could be anywhere other than here, right this minute, where would you be?
Oh probably sailing to some exotic like Inis Mor or Martinique!!
Flashback to when you were 10 years old. What do you want to be when you grow up?
I’m still not sure I know the answer to that one but I did want to be a jockey and achieved that goal and did so for many years.
If we went to happy hour, what would you order?
Several Mojitos.
Name three words that describe you.
Stubborn, resilient, and loyal, though I’m sure my friends would have a few others to add!
What’s a goal you have for yourself that you want to accomplish in the next year?
For sure it’s to successfully complete the SSE round Ireland yacht race this year and do our best as a crew, and enjoy the challenge along the way.
What are you happiest doing, when you’re not working?
Outside of family, either sailing or riding my mountain bike, something with an element of adventure, I don’t do relaxing very well.
What would be your personal motto?
Not sure I have a specific one but I heard a saying once that I think is very relevant for happiness and success in life which is ‘go where you’re celebrated not where you are tolerated” In other words surround yourself with like-minded people and don’t worry about the detractors.
What inspired you to do the SSE race around Ireland?
I’ve been sailing now for 4 years and prior to that have spent a lifetime competing and racing be that on horses or two wheels. The temptation has always been there to try yacht racing. Having done several courses with Wild West Sailing I was inspired by David and Cian when I saw the programme the guys put together for this year’s race. Spanning 18 days was just a no-brainer for me with the opportunity to learn so much, meet like-minded people and challenge myself along the way. I just can’t wait to be on the start line, or maybe the finish line!
Sign up for the 2023 Rolex Fastnet Wild West Sailing Race Programme today. https://wildwestsailing.com/racing/
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