CO Tyrone teenage running sensation Nick Griggs has dedicated his winning gold European athletics title to his brother Josh who was killed in a road tragedy six weeks ago.
The 16-year-old from Newmills, stormed to victory in the U-20 3,000m final in Estonia on Saturday.
The gold medal win came as the Co Tyrone family continues to grieve the loss of 19-year-old Josh.
The up-and-coming Brackaville GAA player - who was named by 2020 Reserve Player of the Year by the club - lost his life in a road traffic collision in Banbridge on June 8.
Speaking yesterday, his father Andy Griggs revealed how his youngest son, who also plays for Brackaville, dedicated Saturday’s win to his brother.
“Before the beginning of the race he pointed up to the sky, and when he finished the race, he did the same thing,” said Mr Griggs.
“When he called he said that was for Josh. I think it gave him an extra bit of impetus to do well.”
The Newmills man said athletics had helped keep 16-year-old Nick motivated, focused and positive following the tragic loss of Josh.
“But he does it for himself,” he added. “He does it because he enjoys it and like to compete. And I think he’s very proud of putting on that shirt and doing it.”
Andy Griggs revealed how the Cookstown High School student, who trains with Mid Ulster Athletics Club under Barry Holmes, had only recently declared for Team Ireland, with his Irish passport arriving just in time for his trip to Tallinn.
“He got there, which was an achievement in itself,” said his father.
The 16-year-old has now taken a significant step toward his lifelong goal of becoming an Olympic athlete.
Mr Griggs, who is an active community worker in Newmills, said his sons were a product of both Newmills and Brackaville.
“We’re a proud member of both communities and we don’t just preach it, we practice it,” he said.
“We have a great community garden in Newmills here, which a lot of people use. And we do a lot of work with the Brackaville club, so you try and practice what you preach.
“And the lads are the same. They are the product of both Newmills and Brackaville. It crosses any perceived divide.”
Videos shared on social media on Saturday showed how the social club at Brackaville GAA grounds erupted on Saturday as members watched live footage of Nick Griggs crossing the finishing line.
GOLD MEDAL FOR NICK GRIGGS… Unbelievable run pic.twitter.com/isxh7nWxLM
— Breac an Bhile Eoghan Rua (@BrackavilleGFC) July 17, 2021
The bond between the family and the GAA club was cemented last month, when Brackaville hosted Josh Griggs’ funeral at its club grounds.
In a message penned after the poignant ceremony. Andy Griggs said: “Brackaville Gaelic Club have always been our family and will always be in our hearts.”
Building on that foundation, Mr Griggs said the club will next month host the inaugural ‘JG Summer Camp’.
The cross-community summer camp will offer scores of children the chance from across the area the chance to sample a variety of different sports from GAA and soccer to rugby and athletics.
“It’ll be nice for the kids to get a chance to play sports they’re not used to playing,” said Mr Griggs.
