New records set as runners gather in memory of Ashling Murphy
It was a fantastic morning in Tullamore last Sunday for the highly successful Ashling Murphy 4 Mile Race in beautifully sunny weather.
From early morning, the town centre buzzed with activity as people prepared for the great event. The race was exceptionally well supported, with spectators lining almost every stretch of the route and filling the town centre, creating a vibrant atmosphere for both runners and walkers. Musicians from Ballyboy Comhaltas provided very poignant and uplifting entertainment along the course which was a lovely touch.
The Ashling Murphy 4 Mile Race is more than just a running event - it carries a special significance and holds a deeper meaning for the participants and the community around Tullamore and much further afield. While it serves as a platform for athletes to showcase their running abilities, it also acts as a heartfelt tribute in memory of Ashling Murphy, with many coming together to not only honour Ashling but also to support her family and friends. Ashling’s parents Ray and Kathleen along with her siblings, Cathal and Amy joined the walkers on the 4-mile route.
Pierre Murchan of Dublin City Harriers was the first to cross the finish line, completing the race in a phenomenal time of 18:30. He finished a full minute ahead of the second-placed Colin Maher of Ballyfin AC, with Jamie Byrne of DSD coming in third at 19:51. Pierre's time shattered the previous race record of 19:22 set by Eoin Everard in 2023.
In the women's event, another record was broken by Ide Nic Dhomhnaill (West Limerick AC), who finished in 21:15, surpassing the previous record of 21:37 held by Courtney Maguire. Lauren Tinkler from Dublin City Harriers secured second place with a time of 21:40, while Heather Murphy from St Michael’s AC came in third at 22:24.
It was a proud day for Offaly Athletics and all the athletics clubs in the county. Typically, gathering officials and marshals for various athletic events can be challenging, but for this race, the community's response was overwhelmingly positive. “We couldn’t have asked for a better turnout or a more enthusiastic group of volunteers from our Offaly clubs and so many families and friends,” said a spokesperson for Offaly Athletics.
This year marked the third edition of the race, which started outside the Brewery Tap pub in the town centre, and what a day it was! Nearly 800 participants gathered at the start line under perfect weather conditions, creating a spectacular sight, as race starter John Cronin, President of Athletics Ireland, welcomed Ashling’s family and friends.
Offaly Athletics thanks the generous sponsor of the race, Centra Ireland, the team of Gardai, Offaly County Council, Offaly Civil Defence, Camcor Cycles, Seamus Walsh Plant Hire, Ballyboy Comhaltas, Bridge Shopping Centre, the Ashling Murphy Foundation, Pop Up Races, Bridge House Tullamore, Bank of Ireland and, last but not least, the wonderful participants of the race.
This was Round 1 of the Offaly Endurance Series and Race 3 in the Peugeot Series and it also served as the Offaly Road Race championships.
Age group winners
1st O40 – Paula Guinan (Oughaval AC, 25:58) and Jonathan Dunne (Tullamore Harriers AC).
1st O45 – Maria McCambridge (Dundrum South Dublin AC) and Mick Fogarty (Ferbane AC).
1st O50 – Maura Dervin (Mullingar Harriers AC, 27:13) and Ruben Bartelink (DSD).
1st O60 – Mary Galvin (Tullamore Harriers, 31:46) and Sean Reynolds (Tullamore Harriers, 25:38).
1st O70 – Eileen Kenny (Tullamore Harriers, 29:19) and Ger Woods (Banagher AC, 29:50).
Top 50 finishers: Pierre Murchan (Dublin City Harriers AC) 18:30; Colin Maher (Ballyfin AC) 19:30; Jamie Byrne (Dundrum South Dublin AC) 19:51; Eanna Moynihan Ó Bradaigh (DSD AC) 20:00; Paul Mitchell (Tullamore Harriers) 20:12; Mick Fogarty (Ferbane AC) 20:33; Kevin Minnock (Tullamore Harriers) 20:36; Liam Naughton (Dublin City Harriers) 20:40; Morgan Clarkson (DSD AC) 20:42; Órán O Hare (Dublin City Harriers) 20:43; Killian Nolan (Tullamore Harriers) 20:57; Kevin Moore (Mullingar Harriers) 21:05; Jonathan Dunne (Tullamore Harriers) 21:11; Ide Nic Dhomhnaill (West Limerick AC) 21:15; Barry Mooney (Tullamore Harriers) 21:36; Ruben Bartelink (DSD AC) 21:40; Lauren Tinkler (Dublin City Harriers) 21:40; John Lee (Trim AC) 21:42; Terry Shanley (Clane AC) 21:47; Brian Mac Mahon (21:50); Eoin Brennan (Tullamore Harriers) 21:52; David Murray (Kilcormac Killoughey AC) 22:02; Andrew Smyth (Kilkenny City Harriers) 22:03; Cian Mulvey 22:03; Tadhg Bartelink (DSD AC) 22:08; Oliver Galvin (Clara AC) 22:21; Heather Murphy (St. Michael's AC) 22:24; Eimhin Kenny (Tullamore Harriers) 22:30; Brenden Donagher (Naomh Mhuire AC) 22:31; John Carroll (Bohermeen AC) 22:34; Adriele Prina Mello (DSD AC) 22:40; Kevin Looby (Naomh Mhuire AC) 22:46; Ronan Hoare (Birr AC) 22:48; David Staunton (Clara AC) 22:58; Sarah Mulligan (DSD AC) 23:01; Harry Flynn (Tullamore Harriers) 23:06; Maria McCambridge (DSD AC) 23:10; Darren Bermingham (Naomh Mhuire AC) 23:12; Gerard Cleary (Naomh Mhuire AC) 23:15; Damien Hilliard (Bohermeen AC) 23:31; Peter Maguire (Edenderry AC) 23:32; Declan Murphy (Naomh Mhuire AC) 23:36; Ian Martin (Templemore AC) 23:40; Paul Mundie 23:41; Mark Cleary (Birr AC) 0:23:44; Evan McCormack (Mullingar Harriers) 23:52; Darragh Carroll (Tullamore Harriers) 23:55; Ciaran Carr (Newbridge AC) 0:23:56; Paul Bolger (Kilkenny City Harriers) 24:05; Dervish Bartlett (Birr AC) 24:07.