Legendary athlete honoured at fun run in Saltmills

SALTMILLS and St Kearns become the focus for what is hoped to be an annual athletics event when Michael F. O Hanlon was commemorated by the return of the one-mile sprint.

As part of a Community Fun Day organised by the Saltmills and St Kearns Community Group, the village hosted a one-mile sprint run to commemorate the achievements of the outstanding athlete Michael F. O Hanlon who hailed from the Gusserane parish at the turn of the last century.

Michael F O’Hanlon was an all-round athlete and set a record for the one-mile sprint in the late 19th century. He was also a Leinster and All Ireland long jump champion. In 1913 he cleared 23 feet, prompting speculation about a future word record. Had it not been for the suspension of Athletics competitions during the first World War, it is widely believed that he may well have achieved a medal for Ireland.

O Hanlon emigrated to America in 1914 where he continued to show his talents in athletics in the Irish American Athletic Club in New York.

All ages participated in the event on Sunday. Ann O Hanlon from Gusserane, niece-in-law of the champion, was on hand on the day to award a Perpetual Trophy and medals to the winners of the sprint.

The first past the post for the over 18s was John Roche Junior in a time of 5:35, closely followed by Joseph Hanlon in a time of 5:49. There was a close battle for third and fourth place with John Hickey coming home in third place in a time of 13:24 and John Roche Senior taking fourth place in a time of 13:30.

For the under 18s Tomaso Hickey took first place in a time of 5:54 with James Hanlon coming home second on 6:12 and Ann-Marie Roche in third place on 7:00.

Once the races were over, members of the Saltmills and surrounding spent a relaxing Sunday afternoon in the sun enjoying the music and craic with barbecue food on demand.

Children were particularly well looked after with donkey rides, face-painting, arts and crafts and of course, the bouncy castle. Members of the Craft Exchange, which meets every Friday in Colclough Hall, were on hand displaying the high calibre of crafts created locally.

See ‘Saltmills and St. Kearns Community Group’ on Facebook to keep up-to-date the group’s upcoming events and activities.

John Roche, Clonmines, winner and Ann O’Hanlon representing the family of MF O’Hanlon. At the launch of the Saltmills and St kearns Community Development Plan are Sean Murphy, Ann O’Hanlon, John Hickey, BIM; Liam Fardy, Cllr Martin Murphy, Deirdre...