Alex O'Shea & group do a Gap of Dunloe run to mark the 32 marathon challenge

Back in September of 2018, Fireman Alex O'Shea ran 32 marathon in each county of Ireland in 16 days. Last weekend, he met up with a group of friends to do a half-marathon run in the Gap of Dunloe in Kerry to mark the second anniversary of the occasion. He also made a special presentation to Ollie O'Sullivan for his help in organising the 32 county run.

Report from Alex O'Shea... 

Early start & down to Kerry for a social run A 1/2 marathon around the Gap of Dunloe with friends at 08.00

 1)Alex O Shea
2)Ollie O Sullivan
3)Chris Gayson
4)Brenden Blennerhassett
5)Darren O Sullivan
6)Brenden Caffrey
7)Ed Fitzgerald

A social few miles with the focus on chat & scenery not pace. For me it was my first time running with the company of others for such a long time. As things happened it was also a great opportunity to catch up with Ollie & present him with a momento from the 32 marathon challenge. This was not an easy task as we rarely seem to be free at the same time.

So a bit about the presentation. The plaque was commissioned & designed by me and thanks to Craig Dzrie for bringing it to life. It was in recognition of all the work Ollie put into the challenge always striving to help make the challenge a success on all levels be it fundraising for Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind or helping me achieve the 32 Marathons. Ollie was selfless in his endeavours. The plaque is made from timber from Glengarrif in West Cork which was saved from storm damaged trees.

The photo was taken by Mark Ramsey a fire fighter who joined us on the Co Down leg of the 32 Marathons taking photos as we ran in front of the iconic Northern Ireland Goverment building Stormont. (Thanks Mark). The photo was transferred to slate by friend & marathon runner (Paramedic Kieran Minihane thanks Kieran) 

The Slate represents Kerry as Valentia Island in Kerry has exported fine slate all over the world.. can't guarantee this bit of slate came from Valentia but it's the thought that matters.

The Cap badges are a thank you to all our uniformed colleagues that supported us throughout the challenge not just those in our own areas of fire service & Gardaí we were supported by so many other organizations Army, Air Corps, Ambulance Service, Navy, Coast Guard, Prison Guards and the PSNI
The event medal shows each and every county of Ireland and encompasses all those that joined us & the Irish guide dogs on this challenge.

The reverse has a map of Ireland with each County and time ran etched into the wood.
Thank you Ollie