So there’s no need to worry about sleep for the next few weeks. The Tokyo Olympics have finally arrived and a lot of the action will take place in the wee, small hours of the morning, all of which means that visits to the hay will be of the short and sweet variety.

My first memory of the Olympics goes back to the 1976 version in Montreal when Eamonn Coghlan seemed to have the entire country in his hands as he lined up for the 1500 metres final. Alas it was not to be and our man finished out of the medals in fourth place, the worst place of all to cross the line. There have been many Irish ups and downs since then, John Treacy and Sonia O’Sullivan, Katie Taylor and Michael Conlan. Whatever happens this time around it will be hard to match the look of joy on the faces of the women’s hockey team before the start of their opening match against South Africa.

It seems we have a few medal hopes this time around, not least amongst them is the boxer Kellie Harrington. Her father was interviewed a few days ago by RTE. Inevitably he was asked about his hopes for his daughter. He replied that he hoped she would return happy.

A wise man.