Sporty Toraigh grateful for chance of a lifetime

Toraigh, 14, from Hillsborough, is a pupil at Dromore High School. The local girl was nominated to carry the torch by Larkfield Netball Club, something for which she says she is “eternally grateful”.

“I am absolutely delighted to have been chosen to take part in the Olympic Torch relay,” said Toraigh. “On June 6, I will be carrying the Olympic Flame for 300m through Lisburn. I am excited and scared all at the same time, but I am very honoured to be playing a part in this year’s London Olympic Games.

“I enjoy playing a lot of sport, but netball is my favourite. I started playing netball when I was in primary school (St Joseph’s, Lisburn) at the age of eight. My first coach was Stella Drayne, it was Stella who inspired me, teaching me to love sport and in particular netball. I was made captain of our primary school team, which was a real turning point for me, it boosted my confidence and gave me the drive and courage to join a club out of school. I now play for my secondary school (Dromore High School) and this year we won the cup and league. In 2011 I was a member of the U17 S.E.L.B squad which taught me new skills and develop my team work.

“At the age of eleven I joined Larkfield netball club in Lisburn, Denise Prue and Jackie Portis are the coaches and my great friend and hero Stella Drayne is the secretary. These three ladies give up their time every Tuesday night to train our team and then accompany us to competitive matches often held once a week. Training is often hard work, but is also great fun. With the help and constant encouragement of these ladies I am fulfilling my potential in the world of netball.

“Netball has enhanced my life in many ways, namely, I have developed a love of sport at a young age, I have bonded with great team mates, many of whom are quite inspirational in their skills and ability and it has taught me how to successfully manage my time, balancing the demands of school work with the desire to partake and compete in a sport I love.

“Luckily Larkfield netball club nominated me as a torch bearer and for that I will be eternally grateful. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to represent my community and something that will be a treasure memory for the rest of my life.”