Daughter of Athlone woman in Olympics Torch Relay

Ana Fernández Reid, the daughter of Margaret Reid from The Strand, Athlone, recently took part in the Olympic Torch Relay in Sarlat-la-Caneda, France.

Ana lives in Madrid and works as a software engineer for Atos which is the IT Partner for the Olympic Games and for the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) and she was selected by the company to be a torch bearer for Paris 2024 because of professional her merits.

Ana was happy to take part in the event and said that her heart and spirit were lifted throughout the day with excitement and joy. “I smiled so much, my face ached at the end of the day.”

Ana said that she has had the privilege to work in many different sport disciplines contributing to the success of six Olympic Games (Beijing 2008, London 2012, Sochi 2014, Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020, Paris 2024) and many other sports events. “Sport not only brings value to individuals but it promotes friendship and kindness within society,” stated Ana.

“Bearing the Olympic Torch for Paris 2024 was an utmost honour for me, a memory I will cherish forever,” added Ana. “One of my main purposes in life is that my three children understand the importance of justice, courage and temperance which are perfectly represented by the Olympic flame.

She said that she was “incredibly fortunate” to have been accompanied by 16 immediate members of her family at the Olympic Torch Relay including her mother, sisters, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and her cousin Margaret Dooner who travelled from Athlone for the occasion.

There were around 20 torch bearers in Sarlat-La-Caneda. In total, 11,000 torch bearers will participate in the relay which started in Greece on April 16 with the lightning ceremony and will end in Paris with the Olympic Opening Ceremony on July 26. The relay takes place over a three-month period.

Ana has followed in the footsteps of her mother, who formerly played for Spain at the Hockey World Championships. Ana said: “I've practised field hockey since I was five and continued to this day having won the bronze medal at 2023's Spanish Masters Hockey Championship.”

Speaking about her ties to the area, Ana remarked that she feels “very connected” to Athlone as a large part of the Reid family remain in the town. “We always make sure we come back several times a year to enjoy Irish soil and our Irish family and friends also visit us in Spain regularly.”