When it comes to races, it’s possible to have too much of a good thing – and that is our problem at the moment. Because every race must be insured, cluttering up official calendars are small local races and leagues, GAA runs, charity walks/runs, commercially run races, and various novelty events. Sifting though such lists […]
One athlete sure to be celebrating the end of the year is Caitriona Jennings of Rathfarnham WSAF. A few weeks ago, Jennings finished fourth in the inaugural World 50k Championships held in Doha Qatar. It was her first appearance in an Irish vest since running the marathon at the London Olympics, where she picked up […]
One of the most familiar figures in Irish Athletics is Frank Greally who has almost single-handedly kept the Irish Runner magazine on the road for over thirty years – and done much more besides. Now Frank was written his story – just in time for Christmas – called Running Full Circle. In the opening pages, […]
A time of 2:59.39 clocked at the Twin Cities Marathon on October 5 means that 59-year-old Christine Kennedy, originally from Galway, is the oldest woman ever to break three hours in the marathon. With her 60th birthday coming up on December 29, her aim now is to become the first 60-year-old to break three hours […]
For anyone who appreciates a close analysis of statistics, the syllabus for next weekend’s Athletics Ireland Congress provides an interesting snapshot of the sport today. Athletics Ireland now has a membership of almost 50,000 – 49,542 to be precise. That’s an increase of 17% – or 7,248 – on last year’s figure of 42,294. Even […]
Book Review: Running Free by Richard Askwith (Yellow Jersey Press, London, 2014) Richard Askwith calls it “Big Running”. It’s when a natural and instinctive activity falls prey to the marketing men; when running becomes something we spent money on expecting certain returns, rather than a simple activity that enriches our lives. It’s when over-hyped and […]
On a chilly night in December 1963, a group of women wearing an assortment of loose clothing assembled outside the Trinity grounds on Santry Avenue for a 600 yard race. Ireland and indeed Dublin was a very different places back then. Santry, where Billy Morton had built his dream stadium, was on the outskirts of […]
Last January, Danielle Hayes took up powerlifting. Eight months on and she is a world champion. After many years spent in the gym, the 26-year-old Dublin schoolteacher wasn’t entirely new to lifting weights, but her stratospheric rise to the top is something of a shock. “The World Championships was only my second competition. I […]
* Preview of Morton Games removed; well out of date by now! PS: Where was Gregan? Injured – since world university games; a bursa problem with the foot. Marathon addiction shows no sign of abating after 18 of the 23 starters completed the 10 Marathons in 10 Days Challenge set by Bridge Milers Olympic Harriers […]
An article I wrote on the history of women’s article for History Ireland is now online. See http://www.historyireland.com/20th-century-contemporary-history/irish-womens-athletics-and-the-olympic-games/
Lady Icarus – new edition
Want to Explore Herbert Simms’ Dublin?
Simms book – launch November 7
“Lady Icarus” – sold out! As are the Markievicz books!
Cork – “the most comfortable jail”
Keith S: Excellen blog , thanks for the effort/info here.Be...
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