** New Era **
News today of Fearghal Curtin setting a new Irish Marathon record in South Korea at 2.07.54 is at the end of a fabulous year for our athletes. To put in perspective, John Treacy set a record in 1988 that stood for 36 years and now has been lowered 3 times by 3 different athletes in the last 12 months. Hiko Tonosa and Peter Lynch both broke the record before Fearghal today.
Can we put the era of the greats of John Treacy, Gerry Kiernan and Danny Mc Daid finally behind us. Marvellous men but we need to see progress. These lads can push one another to new and better times.
The 800 metre event at the recent World Championships where Cian McPhillips and Mark English were a joy to watch and they have combined to lower the times in the 800 from the legendary Marcus O’Sullivan and David Matthews with records that have stood still for too long.
And watching Nicola Tuthill and Kate O’Connor set new heights in disciplines we have not previously been strong in, is fantastic as well. I know there are many more standout performances and these are but a handful.
We are a country with limited facilities and small population so to be producing world class is fantastic and testament to the great work being put into our athletes.
On a personal level I’m delighted for Fearghal and his Dad, Noel, who shared the GAA fields in Castlemartyr colours and running roads with me for more years than I care to mention. Also Mr Martin Drake, Youghal AC must be the proudest man in Ireland today to see the colours and name of the club on a National Record Holder.
For you and I, it is times and achievements we can never aspire to, but we can do our best. Be the best you.
Remember, Fearghal ran the Dungarvan 10 mile and the Cork City 10k on the day of the marathon this year.
We can run the same roads as these people and help them with good wishes and supporting the clubs that are nurturing this talent. Times and performances like these bring a lift to the spirits of all of us
Have a lovely weekend.
#pwr
Fair play Pat & very valid comments. Great to see the younger generation making amazing progress. Looking forward to the next 1/2 years and what it brings with these amazing hard working athletes. We don’t understand estimate the work involved at this elite level.
ReplyDeleteIts a pity the shoe technology was allowed free rein. FINA band the swimming suits years ago. IAAF should have made more effort to put structures what was too much. The shoes have drawn a line in the sand. You cant ever compare John or Gerrys etc to todays unfortunately.
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