Hi I am Roisin McConnell I will be representing Co Meath. (Up the Royals!) 

I was absolutely over the moon to chosen to represent the County where I was born and reared. I am living in Emper Ballynacaragy County Westmeath with my Daughter Aine.  I work as a home help (carer) in the surrounding areas of Ballynacaragy and Rathowen, I really love my work and all that's involved from meeting the people having a laugh with them and hearing the different stories of bygone days. I love sports in general - football hurling rugby horse racing. I am a great supporter of the Meath football teams both men and ladies. 

I was born with a condition called Neurofibromatosis, a genetic condition that causes tumours to form on the nerve tissues.  Some of the tumours can be benign and some malignant. I have spent most of my Childhood in and out of hospital and have undergone a number of operations.

I had a tumour removed at the age of 12 which left a facial disfigurement on the right side of my face it also resulted in I losing my right eye later in life due to on going infections caused by the eye lashes growing inwards. 

I was also born with a weak bone in my left leg where my leg didn't grow. I had my leg amputated at the age of 16  I wear both a prostheic eye and a  prostecic leg. You could say I am like a pirate aye aye 🤣 I have never let this prevent me from doing everyday living things and having a normal life. 

I have taken part in four marathons up to 2019 I was hoping to go for the five in a row but due to the covid restrictions I couldn't.  I just love the build up and soaking up the atmosphere and just crossing that finishing line and getting my medal, it gives me a great lift. 

This year I am doing it in memory of a friend of mine,

Trevor O Meara from Ballymahon, who had Neurofibromatosis.  Sadly Trevor passed away last October from a very rare brain tumour. Trevor was a lovely kind person he would do anything for anyone and was loved by everyone. I want to make people aware of Neurofibromatosis and doing it in memory of Trevor will push me even more and I know he will be there in spirit cheering me across that finish line.

Roisin McConnell