Marathon Man joins list of sport legends

they didn’t want to win, but it was the first time I helped others achieve their goals and I realised there’s so much more to sport, so that’s when I started dong more coaching. I really enjoy that aspect of it.

‘Sport is a wonderful thing because there’s a place for everyone. You see what sport means, it brings people together, just look at the crowd here tonight supporting their local heroes and champions, that’s what it’s all about.’

Now that he is a coach himself David said he truly appreciates what the likes of his dad and Larry McGuill did for him during his own running career and he plans to continue coaching well into the future.

‘To receive a Hall of Fame is a huge privilege and I’m going to enjoy this, but I feel at 50 years of age I’m only starting and I still have a lot to offer in sport.’ And he had a few wise words for any budding stars out there, not least the 12 accomplished athletes who won monthly awards on the night.

‘I remember when I won my first marathon title in 2008, my coach came up to me. He was actually on the bike, and he said ‘David, you may never get this chance again’. So I always say that to anyone I coach or any time I line up myself...you may never get this chance again and you have to grab it and take it.’

David does still line up and not surprisingly is right up there with the best in his age group, but he admitted his weekend schedule would have to be altered slightly.

‘I was supposed to be competing tomorrow in Raheny, but that could be shelved now!’