Locals savouring atmosphere of the 40th Dublin Marathon
THE 40th KBC Dublin City Marathon put on a celebratory event that none of the runners will forget.
Dublin certainly delivered -from bright sunny skies, perfect racing conditions, enthusiastic supporters and a fantastic level of organisation which made this a wonderful experience for all.
This was reflected in the many great performances from Sligo AC athletes
First Sligo AC runner into Merrion Square was Seamus Somers in an amazing PB of 2:33:25 taking 3rd in the M45 category, a just reward for his hard training.
JP Carty was next in 2:37:28 who put in a very strong performance despite an injury.
Martin Brennan had a top class race in 2:42:28 followed by Desi Foley in 2:49.
Damien Kennedy had a fantastic run coming back from injury in 2:56:37.
Gerry Gilmartin had a superb race, controlling his run to finish on target with a new PB of 2:56:53.
First Sligo AC lady home was Aoife Kilgallon who finished under the 3 hours in her debut marathon in a time of 2:58:16.
Fintan Whelan had a great run to come home in 3:15:16.
Nicky Davey had a super run finishing in 3:16:45 followed closely by Paul Deering in 3:19:0.
Next home was Sligo AC legend Lucy Brennan in a time of 3:25 claiming 2nd overall in her category.
She was followed closely by John Scanlon in 3:26:56 and Fionnuala O’Connell who had a strong performance and a fantastic PB run of 3:27:19. Deirdre Pierce Norton had a fine run to PB in 3:34:10, taking 51 minutes off her previous time.
Well done to Eilish Doherty who had another PB of 3:34:51.
Great running by Annette Scanlon in 3:38:23(PB) followed closely by Fiona Fahey Gilmartin who is going from strength to strength in a PB time of 3:38:50.
Strong performances too by Noirín Kelly 3:42:22 PB, Noelle Galvan 3:46:01 PB and Ashling Kennedy 3:47(PB) who all took several minutes off their previous times.
Congrats to Enda Whelan who is so consistent in his running over the years and flew home in 3:51:26.
Next in was Corinna Kiernan 3:53:02 PB, Tracy Kennedy with a debut marathon time of 3:53:53, Shane O’Doherty (18) Sligo AC’s youngest marathoner had a tough last few miles but showed huge courage to battle it out and come home in 3:53:58, Emer Kelly 3:55:33 PB and Nicola Moffatt 3:57(PB)
Congratulations also to Marty Cawley 4:00:04 PB, Helen Kelly 4:02: PB, Pauline Henry 4:06, Niamh Ni Mhurcha 4:09:10,
Darragh Sherwin 4:09:37, Fiona Melvin 4:15, Rose Young 4:24, Deirdre Boland 4:25 Lorena Mc Nicholas 4:25 PB, Vanessa Foley 4:29:14, Sheila Devaney 4:31 Fiona Boyle 4:32 Aidan Kelly 4:37 and Kieran Dowd marathon debut time of 4:37 and Enda Gilmartin 4:56:11.
A special mention to Sarah McCaffrey and Andy Finan who took on the marathon with injuries.
Sligo AC said: “Congratulations to all local Sligo athletes who travelled up to Dublin it was great to see so many familiar Sligo faces taking part in such a fantastic event.
“Most importantly thank you to all the friends, family members and coaches who also put in the miles on the day and showed so much support along the course.”