David Gillick is one of Ireland’s foremost athletes of the modern era. A former Olympian, the Ballinteer native snatched gold at both the 2005 and 2007 European Indoor Championships, as well as 4x400m relay bronze at the world indoors in Budapest in 2004.

Outdoors, Gillick finished 6h in the 400m final at the 2009 World Championships, and his best time of 44.77, clocked in Madrid that same year, remains an Irish record.

Gillick has spoken frankly about the challenges he faced upon his retirement from athletics. Now a passionate and insightful advocate for better understanding of mental health issues, Gillick is swapping his spikes for spokes as he tackles the Westport Gran Fondo on behalf of Men’s Sheds.

The Gran Fondo is an annual cycle race that takes place amid the most stunning scenery Ireland has to offer. There are two separate routes: the Gran Fondo itself, a 122km race for serious competitors, and the Medio Fondo, a slightly more sedate 70km affair.

Both routes offer the chance to experience the breathtaking Sheeffry Hills climb. This year on 14 April, 1,000 cyclists are expected to participate, with €5 from each entry fee going to the Irish Men’s Sheds Association.

We caught up with David Gillick as he prepares for his latest challenge.

WHY MEN’S SHEDS?

“I first heard about Men’s Sheds about a year ago. I was kind of blown away by what you guys do on a daily basis around the country. I found when I retired from athletics, that it was the basic things – engaging with people, having somewhere to go, having a bit of a purpose – that really helped me.

“Men keep a lot of things bottled up, and it generally comes out through an activity, or watching sport. I think what sheds do – getting people together, working on practical things – is a brilliant way to get those conversations started.”

DAVID ON RETIREMENT

“As a sportsman, your identity is so closely linked to your performance, and what you did in that little cocoon you lived in. For nearly 15 years, I was surrounded by like-minded people in an environment where we had goals every day. Then, I suddenly found myself sitting behind a desk wondering what I was going to do with the rest of my life.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re 30 or 70, our identity can be very closely linked to what we do. That’s where something like the Men’s Shed is brilliant: just coming in, working on something and engaging with people can be extremely therapeutic.”

DAVID ON LONELINESS

“There is that alpha male syndrome where you don’t want to show weakness. You don’t want to say you’re struggling and you disengage. But when you let go of that, it’s a great release: you realise that lots of people are in the same boat.”

DAVID ON PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

“The starting point is just getting out. Add a bit of mobility to your lifestyle. Walk to the shops, walk the dog. We’re approaching springtime. That can be a great catalyst. As you feel healthier and fitter, you’ll notice the difference in your mood and your self-esteem.”

DAVID ON CYCLING

“The running took a bit of a toll on my body. Over time, I started getting out on the bike. I was asked to come on board with the Gran Fondo, and I’ve roped in three of my best mates. I wanted to link it with a charity and I immediately thought of Men’s Sheds.” CL

To sign up for the Westport Gran Fondo, visit: https://www.westportgranfondo.ie