Eammon Harkin is planning a personal best in the Clerical Medical Parish Walk next year after undergoing surgery to overcome a potentially serious illness.

Chest pains have been causing discomfort in recent times and they curtailed his training and resulted in his non participation in the End to End Walk.

During the surgery in Hampsire last week, a stent was inserted to overcome a blocked coronary artery.

The 2007 Parish Walk 4th placer is often seen marshalling in road runs but this picture shows him at his other favourite annual event – the Oktoberfest (Munich Beer Festival).