Challenges faced head on at marathon
LOCAL CHARITIES AND GOOD CAUSES BENEFIT FROM LOCAL PARTICIPATION IN MARATHON
AS thousands flocked to the streets of the capital for the annual Dublin Marathon, Wexford was well represented as senior hurler Conor McDonald and multiple time marathon participant Donal Troddyn tested their physical and mental strength for causes important to them.
Gorey’s McDonald came across the finish line in four hours and 27 minutes, while Donal completed the 26.2 miles in six hours and 27 minutes, all the while dressed in a lifeboat costume in honour of Courtown RNLI.
Taking part in his first marathon, Conor McDonald said that although it was tough, the atmosphere in Dublin made things special.
‘You are driven on by everyone on the sidelines, I wasn’t expecting it and it was unreal. In Clontarf, the whole town was out and in general there were so many people with jellies, bananas and water for us’.
Conor’s chosen charities were Aoibheann’s Pink Tie and St Aidan’s Services, which brought meaning to the challenge.
‘When we got knocked out of the club championships, it was a month out from the marathon and I wanted to jump into something. Some of the clients I train in the gym spoke about doing the marathon, and you could say they bullied me into it.
‘But I chose Aoibheann’s Pink Tie as Jango introduced me to the charity. I felt it was fitting this year after his passing to do the marathon in his tribute. During his illness, Jango didn’t have to do anything bar stick with his family and take it easy but he did a serious amount of work for Aoibheann’s Pink Tie which just showed how much he cared about it,’ said Conor.
Although the money is still being counted, Conor hopes it will reach over €3,000 to be split between both causes.
‘I’m going to be away for the Gorey Oscarz but I wanted to get involved in some capacity to help them out. I can’t thank people enough for their generosity with donating and raising the funds,’ he said.
Although Conor had taken part in the Market House Festival fun run previously, he found that the Dublin marathon was the biggest feat in terms of endurance.
‘It was very different training to hurling, for most of the training I’d run for up to 15 or 16 miles. Training on your own can be difficult, but with someone to talk to you can occupy your mind.
‘On the day I kept going but it did get tougher. By mile 23 I was struggling, you’ve got all sorts going through your head but you have to grind it out and have the mental strength to overcome, get over the line to the end goal.
‘In hurling you’re moving quick and fast, and with this I couldn’t just set off and get to the destination, you have to keep your pace and this was the longest run I had ever done.
Unlike Conor McDonald, Donal Troddyn is no stranger to the Dublin marathon but the Gorey newcomer is always a recognisable face at the race.
Originally from Dublin, the Courtown RNLI volunteer previously dressed as a lego man, a robot, a portaloo toilet and an astronaut but this year he earned the title of ‘ legend’ when he dressed as an RNLI lifeboat.
‘It was a great experience and all about getting recognition for the RNLI, as we got a good response and reaction from people. I ran alone but I had people meeting me along the way,’ said Donal.
With about €1,000 raised, Donal said that if not for fellow runners, volunteers and spectators, he wouldn’t have finished the race.
‘Along the way a few people came up to me and told me their stories in relation to the work of the RNLI. It was incredible to hear how the organisation had affected so many people.
‘ This was my 15th or 16th marathon, but my tenth in costume as ten years ago I lost a bet. But I’ve already signed up for next year’s marathon to do it all again,’ he said.
Donal would like to thank Sam Kennedy, Tanya Tighe and Courtown RNLI for support.