Conor makes ice-skating history for Ireland
CONOR STAKELUM has made history as the first Irishman to participate in the European Figure Skating Championships.
Conor (24) – whose father Richie is an All-Ireland-winning hurler from Tipperary and the current manager of the Dublin U21 hurling team – was the second competitor to take to the ice in Moscow yesterday.
However, he finished in 36th place for his short programme, performed to ‘The Red Violin’ by John Corigliano.
The Dubliner scored 43.07 points and, as he did not finish in the top 24, could not progress to tomorrow’s free skating section in the Russian capital.
Stakelum said although it was a disappointment, he was proud to have participated.
“I am disappointed that I was not able to skate my best today,” he said.
“On the other hand, I am extremely honoured to have represented Ireland on such a big stage and I am going to work even harder to perform better next time.”
Both his father Richie and uncle Conor Stakelum have All-Ireland medals and are actively involved in GAA. But Conor said that he first developed an interest in ice-skating after attending a seasonal rink.
“I went to one of those temporary Christmas ice rinks in Booterstown when I was around 12 and took to it straight away,” he said.