National marathon medals for Offaly athletes

OFFALY athletes had a very productive day at the recent Dublin City Marathon.

Mucklagh woman, Ann Marie McGlynn, nee Larkin, was second in the womens' race, battling with typical bravery but unable to stay with young Limerick sensation, Ava Crean.

Two-time defending champion Anne Marie McGlynn of Strabane AC showed incredible resilience to claim second place just six weeks after suffering a grade-two hamstring tear.  The national title was won by Limerick’s Ava Crean, a 19-year-old student in 2:34.12 ahead of Ann Marie McGlynn (2:36.24). Nichola Sheridan of Meath finished in 2:39.56 to take bronze in the national championships.

Crean and McGlynn, a contrast in youth and experience with 26 years between them, were together until the 21km mark in a fascinating tussle. McGlynn had no complaints at being beaten by the sensational teenager.

 “My coach Emmet Dunleavy and Colin Griffin (who was supporting the rehab programme) wouldn’t let me throw it away. I drove straight to Dublin and rehabbed it hard. Honestly, I’m just glad I got here today.”

McGlynn, 45 years old and who holds a personal best of 2:29:34 from 2021, was full of admiration for her young rival.

“I really do want the young ones to come up. Ava’s just 19, full of running, and she has it. Some people just have that spark. She needs to be nurtured because she’s talented.”

Reflecting on the day’s results, McGlynn added:

“David McGlynn winning today as well, two new young champions. That’s exactly what the Dublin Marathon needs. I’ll still be coming back, but it’s great to see that next generation coming through.”

David McGlynn (Waterford AC) produced the performance of his life to win the men’s national title in 2:11:01,Leevale’s Ryan Creech (2:11.42) was runner-up for the third year in-a-row, with Paul O’Donnell of Dundrum South Dublin (DSD AC)  third in 2:12.11. DSD AC’s Hiko Tonaso was up with the leading group for the first half, but that early pace cost him. He dropped out at the 35km mark.

Ann Marie McGlynn was a Tullamore Harriers' member in her young days and her former club also had a very productive day at the event, capturing prestigious age category prizes.

The marathon once again incorporated both the National and Leinster Championships, with individual age group and team medals to battle for.

In the National Championships, the Tullamore Harriers team of Barry Minnock, Mick O’Brien, and Ollie Neary struck gold to capture the national over 50s' team title. Barry also added an individual National bronze medal in the O50 age group.

In the Leinster Championships, the same trio repeated their success, taking gold in the O50 team category, while Barry went one better individually, winning gold in the O50 age group.

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Cappincur man Minnock ran 2.37.31 with Crinkill native and Kinnitty resident, O'Brien a few minutes back in 2.41.40 and Neary running a very good 3.01.31 to ensure they won the big team prizes.

Adding to the medal haul, Cappincur woman, Mary Daly claimed a bronze medal in the Leinster O60 women’s category. After battling back from injury problems, Daly did very well to break four hours in 3.56.33.