My Greystones: Rachel Casey

When we grow up, we want to be just like Rachel Casey.

This incredible young Greystonian has achieved more in her first 16 years on this planet than most of us manage in our first 60.

So, pay attention down the back. Especially you lazier lumps…

Not only has the 16-year-old been studying mandarin Chinese for 4 years – during which time Rachel completed 3 YCT exams in UCD in Chinese – but she is also one of four people chosen to represent Team Ireland at the international Bridge of Cultures competition in China.

And if that wasn’t enough to get your admiration glowing, Rachel has been a member of Greystones Athletic Club for 7 years, and is the current Leinster junior race walk champion. Competing with her club at county, province and national level, this year, Rachel represented Greystones Athletic at the European Club Championships in Portugal.

More recently, Rachel popped in to the Dail just to help fellow Greystonian Simon Harris figure out this whole running-Ireland’s-health-department malarkey. Minister Casey‘s suggested new policies seem to be working.

Once she’s finished her international Bridge of Cultures competition in China. And had some fun with parents Paschal and Louise, twin sis Catherine (a fellow Greystones Athletic Club rower) and little sis Tara. 

Oh, and we nearly forgot, just in case you spotted some hours during the week there where Rachel might be sitting on a couch eating cake, this wunderkind volunteers at least 5 hours a week with Greystones Cancer Support and Bray Lakers, well aware of the battle to survive, having fought Leukemia from the age of three to six.

It’s that latter little life-threatening fact that should reveal all you really need to know about Rachel Casey’s character. She’s a fighter, and she’s clearly a lover of life.

That’s a pretty unstoppable combination, if you ask us…