The Irish pub which has become Australia’s field of dreams for the parents of Aussie swimmers in Paris

There’s a tiny part of Paris that turns yellow at 10.30pm - and it’s not the River Seine, but somewhere the parents of Australian swimmers have called home during the Paris Olympics.

 

THERE’s only one problem with the boisterous Irish pub hosting the Australian swim families this week - it doesn’t make Pina Coladas.

There’s a little challenge right there for Sharon McKeown, mother of champion backstroker Kaylee, who has the coconut cocktail as her drink of choice whenever her daughter has success in the pool.

“They don’t do Pina Coladas here - it’s an Irish pub but that’s all good,’’ McKeown quipped.

“I might have to find something else.’’

Pina Coladas apart, the Australian swim families don’t have a solitary issue with the colourful, loud and proud Irish pub Corcorans, for one week only their very own little slice of Paris.

McKeown is nothing if not resourceful. With Robyn Titmus, mother of Ariarne, she is one of the prime organisers of the PODS (Parents Of Dolphins Swimmers) and has spent countless hours, emailing, printing, sending messages to chat groups to create a bond which is palpable when you walk in and join them.

Steve and Robyn Titmus speaking to the media. Picture: Adam Head

Perhaps it is the understanding of how hard it is to get to the top of the world in swimming that enhances the bond between them – they know all about rising with the sun for early morning sessions, the carnivals, the early nights, the diets, the pressure. And the possibility you might come away with absolutely nothing.

Australia has always celebrated its Irish links and this week the link has been strengthened considerably as they set root at Corcorans, a 200m walk form where they watch the epic Olympic swim titles at the La Defense Arena.

There are 12 flags adorning the front of the hotel including Scotland, Wales and Ireland but this week no-one doubts who owns the hotel.

Hotel management have actually stiffened up their rosters around the swim schedule to ensure they are well staffed when the 30 or so thirsty Australians surge through the door.

“Here they come,’’ came the call from one young male barman when the first of the troupe walked in around 10.45pm the night Mollie O’Callaghan defeated Ariarne Titmus in the 200m freestyle.

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A kitchen staff member passing by quips “here we go, chicken-mania,’’ adding that the Australia’s love one of the club’s most popular dishes, a salad topped with crispy chicken.

You might think these nights are made for celebrating. That’s partially right but there is far more to it than that.

“It’s about letting off steam because is such a big build up and you really do feel that stress,’’ said Steve Titmus.

There’s a lot of PODS on tour. The McEvoys, the O’Callaghans, the McKeons, the Winningtons, the Temples, former pool star Hayley Lewis – mum of Kai Taylor – have all be spotted around the place.

Parents of Australian swimmers enjoying what the little pub they call home during the Paris Games. Picture: Adam Head

“We are very close and we seem to be getting closer. It’s wonderful to share each others successes and journeys,’’ Sharon McKeown said.

When Australia went looking for pub to call home Corcorans stood out like a leprechaun on Google Maps.

“Obviously the location helped but whenever we go away we always try and find a hotel which is nice and friendly and we can make a lot of noise and enjoy ourselves afterwards,’’ said Steve Titmus.

“We often try to pick an Irish style pub - we are in France, why not pick an Irish pub in Paris. It makes sense, doesn’t it.

“We just want to be together. We try to be together so we can support one another through the good and bad, ups and downs.’’

Corcorans is equipped for any celebration Australia has to offer. It closes at 4am and when Australia arrives there each night it has that distinct feeling that things are just warming up.

But the Australians don’t overstay their welcome. After a few late night drinks most are ready for bed.

“They are actually exhausting weeks because you rise early, the day is long and there is so much stress involved,’’ Titmus said.

The parents share each others triumphs and accept there will be times when one parents joy will be another’s despair.

There was a poignant moment on Monday when Robyn Titmus was awards the gold jacket which is awarded to parents of Olympic gold medalists to Toni O’Callaghan, mother of Mollie, who beat Ariarne Titmus in the 200m final.

The two parents had an extended hug before exchanging the jacket.

“Mollie was able to put the race together and congratulations to her,’’ Robyn said.

“I just think they have two Aussies up there showing the world how good they are in the women’s 200m freestyle. Bring on the relay.’’

The Titmus family hit the road on Tuesday to visit the Champagne region where Steve sampled some of the region’s finest products.

Who needs a Pina Colada when you can drink Champagne in Champagne?

Originally published as The Irish pub which has become Australia’s field of dreams for the parents of Aussie swimmers in Paris