The 1932 LA Olympics took place in the middle of a heat wave. Co Clare athlete Michael ‘Sonny’ Murphy’s preparation for the race, his determination to train despite the phenomenal heat and growing exhaustion take a severe toll on his health. Fellow athlete Pat O’Callaghan, a qualified doctor, tries to persuade Sonny that he is not well enough to compete in the race. But nothing will stop Sonny competing - for his family and community.
Sonny starts the race well, moving into third place, but the crippling heat, and the crippling speed of the other athletes force Sonny to push his body too hard and he collapses on the track.
Sonny Murphy never fully recovered and died four years later.
The Parish of Kilnaboy Co Clare holds a race annually to commemorate Sonny’s spirit.