Marathon Success for Tallaght Men

Last Mondays Dublin City Marathon, which had the largest field (in excess of 12,000) of competitors since its inauguration 30 years ago, provided another opportunity for some of our most committed distance runners to come to the fore in the National Marathon Championships which, along with the Dublin Marathon Championships, are incorporated in the event.

Niall Coppinger – Silver Medalist in the O/45 category

After his super run in the recent half marathon in the Phoenix Park, Niall Coppinger, true to form, again put heart and soul into his efforts to finish 33rd Irishman across the line, claiming the National Silver medal in the 0/45 category with a great time of 2.45.37. and Eoin Brennan was only five places behind in 38th in a time of 2.45.51., in his first Senior Marathon for the club.

Gary Clarke – Silver Medalist in the O/55 category

Colm Barcoe, running for the first time as a master, was next to finish, and his time of 2.52.7 combined with that of Terry Boyle (3.05.26) and Niall Coppinger placed Tallaght 8th in the Master team category. Billy Murphy came next with a pleasing 3.06.58, followed by Robert Cummins (3.10.24), Brendan Ryan (3.16.08) and the ever young Gary Clarke, whose time of 3.20.55 was good enough to take the National Silver medal in the O/55 category. James Crowley (3.27.00), Ifran Qureeshi (3.42.00), Dave Meehan (3.47). Pat Kelly (3.56.14) and Donal Sheridan were next finish, whilst our only two female competitors, Deirdre Pitts and debutante Alison Larkin were both pleased with their performances on the day