RENAISSANCE MAN

It’s hard to find better words to describe Leon O'Doherty than "Renaissance man". Cancer survivor, cycling and cross country champion, father of three, and poet of international merit. And he is still only 34.

Leon O'Doherty left school with a ‘F’ in Technology and was told by one of his teachers that he would never amount to much. He was diagnosed with cancer aged just 18, and about to sign professionally as a cyclist... and he says he wouldn't change that diagnosis, even though it changed his life. He is now an internationally recognised poet, and was awarded his doctorate in Irish History for a thesis - ‘The Political and Military Career of Murrough O’Brien, 6th Baron and later 1st Earl of Inchiquin, an underestimated figure of 17th century.