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Ireland's Ciaran O’Lionard after finishing the Men's 1500m heats well down the field. INPHO/Morgan Treacy

O'Lionaird may 'find something else to do with my life' following Olympics exit

The Cork native expressed himself candidly after missing out on a place in the semis this evening.

CIARAN O’LIONAIRD HAS expressed his disappointment after failing to qualify for 1500m semi-finals at the Olympic Games, suggesting he is considering his future in the sport.

Speaking to RTE, O’Lionaird said he will have to “reevaluate his life” and revealed that he may “find something else to do”.

“I was on a good plan before this,” he added.

The Cork native explained that he did not want to “dwell” on the failure and admitted that he was “eager to get away” from the Olympics and be reunited with friends and family.

O’Lionaird also suggested he was not fully fit to compete this evening, saying his performance was like “running on a flat tire”.

However, he explained that should he quit running, he’ll “find something else to compete in, because I’m a competitive guy”.

Speaking to TheScore.ie’s Will Downing, O’Lionaird added that “he still isn’t where he was last year” and “that his achilles still hurts day in day out”.

Listen to full audio interview with Will below>

Read: Michael Conlan makes dream Olympics debut to reach quarter-finals>

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    Mute Thosj Carroll
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    Aug 3rd 2012, 10:10 PM

    Ciaran, we are still proud of you….no matter what!

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    Mute Nick Beard
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    Aug 3rd 2012, 10:28 PM

    I’m sure he’ll be successful in whatever he does and making it to the Olympics is a great achievement. But it’s also really nice to see an athlete have perspective that there is life after sport, as unfortunately, most sporting careers do have a short time frame.

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    Mute John O'Neill
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    Aug 4th 2012, 12:15 AM

    When you stick a microphone up someone’s nose immediately after they fail to live up to their own expectations you can be sure that they’re demoralized. He is a great prospect for Rio and hopefully the press will go away and give him time to lick his wounds and come back revitalized.

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    Mute John O'Neill
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    Aug 4th 2012, 12:16 AM

    When you stick a microphone up someone’s nose immediately after they fail to live up to their own expectations you can be sure that they’re demoralized. He is a great prospect for Rio and hopefully the press will go away and give him time to lick his wounds and come back revitalized.

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    Mute Mary Kavanagh
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    Aug 3rd 2012, 10:16 PM

    Getting to the Olympics itself is amazing. Sometimes the performance just doesn’t happen on the day for whatever reason. Good luck in whatever you decide to do in the future.

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    Mute Leona Smullen
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    Aug 3rd 2012, 10:14 PM

    That is a great idea Ciaran you just arent up to it.

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    Mute Flying Olive
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    Aug 3rd 2012, 10:17 PM

    why didn’t you run instead of him?

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    Mute Les Rock
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    Aug 3rd 2012, 10:51 PM

    The record you have Leona is for reporting comments.

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    Mute Tokidoll
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    Aug 3rd 2012, 10:57 PM

    As a gold medal winning Olympian Leona, I would expect that you’d show sympathy and support for a fellow athlete as opposed to the attitude reflected in your comment

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    Mute Les Rock
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    Aug 3rd 2012, 11:03 PM

    Funny that there is absolutely no record of a Leona smullen representing Ireland last year. Shame on you for trying to jump on the wonderful bandwagon of the special Olympics.

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    Mute Joe Jackson
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    Aug 3rd 2012, 11:04 PM

    What sport Leona?

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    Mute Leona Smullen
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    Aug 3rd 2012, 11:09 PM

    Les Rock

    Yes I did represent Ireland you dont even know me

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    Mute Joe Jackson
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    Aug 3rd 2012, 11:12 PM

    So, what event was it Leona?

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    Mute Les Rock
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    Aug 3rd 2012, 11:16 PM

    so where’s your name on the timesheet or in the records.

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    Mute John O'Neill
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    Aug 4th 2012, 12:18 AM

    Sez someone who lives in Avatarland…

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    Mute Eileen Browne
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    Aug 4th 2012, 12:19 AM

    What a horrible bitchy comment. You should be proud of yourself Leona

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    Mute Mary Kavanagh
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    Aug 3rd 2012, 10:23 PM

    Leona is too busy sitting on her couch trolling to do anything so energetic.

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    Mute John Carmody
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    Aug 3rd 2012, 10:32 PM

    did u try out? didnt think so. he wasnt up to it thats fair enough but no need to be a tool in an interview.

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    Mute @emcg53
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    Aug 3rd 2012, 11:01 PM

    Obviously a hard working, great athlete but must question the IOC / Athletics Ireland sending him as by his own admission he’s been injured for a year with only one months training before London. I feel sorry for the uninjured, unknown Irish athlete that should have been there but didn’t get the opportunity.

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    Mute Philip McGillycuddy
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    Aug 3rd 2012, 11:18 PM

    Jaysus @emcg53 you’re only after doing your first 10k & you’re already pushing for an Olympic spot!!

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    Mute Joe Jackson
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    Aug 3rd 2012, 11:36 PM

    Any Irish athlete that made the A standard went… With two exceptions. It is not like he ‘took’ somebodies spot. He made the standard, even if it was last year.

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    Mute Liam Byrne
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    Aug 3rd 2012, 10:22 PM

    Get the ankle sorted an reassess things then. Don’t misplace your anger.

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    Mute Ger Ryan
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    Aug 3rd 2012, 11:12 PM

    Was just on the Special Olympics website and there is no record of any Leona Smullen among the travelling athletes for Greece 2011. Either there’s a mistake on the website or you are a pretty warped individual? Which is it??

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    Mute Les Rock
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    Aug 3rd 2012, 11:17 PM

    i did the same Ger. Shameful utterly shameful

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    Mute Derek Turner
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    Aug 3rd 2012, 11:51 PM

    Or shes not using her real name? Did you think of tat 1?

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    Mute Thinkshpake
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    Aug 3rd 2012, 11:58 PM

    Wise up Derek

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    Mute Les Rock
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    Aug 4th 2012, 12:08 AM

    Not using her real name? If its not, it’s a very random name to come up with don’t ye think …Leona smullen

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    Mute Leona Smullen
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    Aug 4th 2012, 12:11 AM

    How dare any of you accuse me of making this up. I did represent my country at the Special Olympics. I won a medal in football. I’m not using my real name on here.

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    Mute Eddie Barrett
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    Aug 3rd 2012, 10:50 PM

    Thought in his interview that he came across as flippant and uncaring – a pity, as I would have felt that being chosen for ones Country was a huge honour?

    Maybe with some personal reflection and much more maturity, he might come across better and then his performances might also improve too?

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    Mute Les Rock
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    Aug 4th 2012, 12:22 AM

    Leona the Irish women’s special Olympic football team were beaten in the final by Greece. Now quit digging a hole for yourself, you should be ashamed of yourself.

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    Mute Les Rock
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    Aug 4th 2012, 12:24 AM

    I thought it was a gold medal not just any medal.

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    Mute Leona Smullen
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    Aug 4th 2012, 12:32 AM

    Les Rock

    you’re right I should be ashamed of myself for not using my real identity. I lied I didnt go to Greece last year. In 2003 when Ireland hosted it I was part of the team. I was a member of the football team. I stayed in Lucan for a week and then I stayed in NUI Maynooth campus for the duration of the games. The football games were out in UCD. And I did win medal.

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    Mute Colm O'Cúirce
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    Aug 4th 2012, 12:37 AM

    Les Rock spot on chief

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    Mute Sluazcanal
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    Aug 4th 2012, 12:47 AM

    you are a liar leona!

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    Mute Leona Smullen
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    Aug 4th 2012, 12:59 AM

    Sluazcanal

    if you and other people dont believe me thats not my problem.

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    Mute Roy Scott
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    Aug 3rd 2012, 10:28 PM

    There will be other opportunities don’t give up, champions are built from disappointment. Have a rest, review and start again…

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    Mute Paul Stewart
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    Aug 4th 2012, 12:21 AM

    Well done ciaran (and leona for giving me a laugh). You will be back..today isn’t the time to decide your future!

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    Mute Colm O'Cúirce
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    Aug 4th 2012, 1:16 AM

    Leona you’re a liar, disgraceful really. Shame on you

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    Mute James McGee
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    Aug 3rd 2012, 10:56 PM

    Unlucky Ciaran. Leevale still proud of you and the country as well. Another Olympian from Leevale and Cork.

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    Mute Jonathan Walsh
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    Aug 4th 2012, 1:14 AM

    I know Leona well, she’s actually a sister of Johnny Knoxville and married one of the famous Smullens from Ring, Co. Waterford. I couldn’t vouch for them though but going by Johnny I’d say she’d have something to do with the special Olympics alright.

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    Mute Colm O'Cúirce
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    Aug 4th 2012, 12:26 AM

    ^^smell of bullshit^^

    33
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    Mute Les Rock
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    Aug 4th 2012, 12:46 AM

    just hate to see someone jump on the bandwagon of the special olympics and doing a disservice to the great athletes that do represent Ireland in the special Olympics.

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    Mute Alan Cummins
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    Aug 4th 2012, 1:36 AM

    Leona, I’d advise you to speak with a mental health professional ASAP, genuinely worried for you

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    Mute Eileen Browne
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    Aug 4th 2012, 12:23 AM

    Why if you know what it’s like to be an athlete would you say something so hurtful then? Makes no sense. The poor guy is gutted but he will be back a bit of PMA and he will be fine

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    Mute Mary Kavanagh
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    Aug 3rd 2012, 10:24 PM

    This is in response to a post just deleted. Boy do I look stupid!

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    Mute Derek Turner
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    Aug 3rd 2012, 10:48 PM

    If leona did take part in special olympics, than very well done leona,

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    Mute Aidan Murphy
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    Aug 4th 2012, 12:28 AM

    poor fella had just lost the race of his life.. was unfair not to expect his despair.. he still qualified for the olympics injured so heal up decide then instead of hasty comments

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    Mute jrbmc
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    Aug 3rd 2012, 10:51 PM

    Don’t give up yet at your first attempt if you can , not sure what age you are but you might like to take a break and try for the next games if possible . What ever you decide well done anyway !!

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    Mute Mary Kavanagh
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    Aug 4th 2012, 1:36 AM

    In the 2011 Special Olympics the MEN’s soccer 11 won a medal (silver I think). Something you want to tell us, Leona….hm…?

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    Mute Roddie Cleere
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    Aug 4th 2012, 12:28 AM

    Que the eastenders dum dums!

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    Mute Derek Turner
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    Aug 3rd 2012, 10:49 PM

    Ger, your some man talking bout a woman like you just did, shows what kind of man you are you thick

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    Mute john cleary
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    Aug 4th 2012, 1:29 AM

    And then, theres Steve Reich..

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