Jerry Kiernan (born 1953) is a former long-distance runner who represented his Ireland at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, California, where he finished in ninth place in the men's marathon. His team mate John Treacy claimed silver in the same race. Kiernan twice won the Dublin Marathon: 1982 and 1992. A former Irish record holder over 3000 metres, Kiernan was also a sub-four minute mile runner.
In this extensive interview with Weeshie Fogarty of Radio Kerry (47 mins long), he looks back at his career, many of his road races that he won, the 1984 Olympic Marathon.......and how John Treacy robbed his water bottle!! Tut tut ;o)
It's a fascinating insight into a time when Irish distance athletes were to the fore. After listening to it however, I can't help wondering where are the 'John Treacys' and 'Jerry Kiernans' of today???
(Credits....Photo...Old Mallow 10 finish - Stephen Murphy, Video/Radio interview - Shane Mullaney)
6 comments:
Great interview. A genuine hard nut alright and not a single moan out of him either. Amazing he acheived so much by being essentially a amateur. Wonder what he would make of the poor standard of irish men's marathoning running today?
Kiernan divides opinion - like marmite you either love him - or you don't. I'm a big fan.
P.S.
Love the photo of him setting the Mallow 10 record.
Kiernan doesn't suffer fools gladly that's for sure. It's obvious from interviews that he just doesn't think the standards in irish athletics aren't good enough and that their is no excuse for runners not being able to consistently challenge at the top level (his views tho)
Jerry is a very good analyst on the tele,says it like it is with no bullsh1t.He also has the great past achievements to back him up.Guys like Jerry should be in charge of Athletics Ireland.
Kiernan is always very wise after the events - tells you about his little wagers when the athlete does well. Not half as intelligent before the races. A bit of a bluffer I think - don't know why RTE keep bringing him back. He also has a chip on his shoulder about other sports.
Comes across as a bitter little man at times and that's on camera. Must be even worse off the air.
I think anyone who grows up in Kerry and chooses and excels at any other sport other than football would have a chip on their shoulder. I bet things like "He would have made a great footballer if he wasn't a runner" etc were said about him.
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