Ashling Murphy memorial race proves another triumph

What a fantastic atmosphere in Tullamore on Sunday last - the 2025 Ashling Murphy 4 Mile was nothing short of a triumph. From early dawn, the town was alive with energy as runners, walkers, supporters, and volunteers gathered to honour the memory and legacy of Ashling Murphy.

Organised by Offaly Athletics, this race also served as the Offaly 4 Mile Road Championships, was Round 1 of the Offaly Endurance Series, and Round 3 of the Peugeot Series. Centra generously supported the race again this year.

Starting and finishing in the heart of Tullamore, the course drew a large and enthusiastic crowd. With the fine weather, the atmosphere was electric and enjoyed by athletes and supporters alike.

A total of 772 participants crossed the finish line under glorious sunshine, with 666 runners and 106 walkers taking part in what has become a much-loved event on the Offaly athletics calendar.

In the men’s race, Sean Tobin of Clonmel AC claimed victory, followed by Éanna O’Brádaigh of (Dundrum South Dublin AC) in second, and local favourite Kevin Minnock of Tullamore Harriers AC in third.

The women’s race was won by Hannah Steeds of Leevale AC, with Sarah Flanagan of Tullamore Harriers taking second, and Orlaith Flanagan of Mullingar Harriers AC placing third.

John Cronin, former President of Athletics Ireland, officially welcomed all to the fourth running of this special event.

Ashling’s parents, Ray and Kathleen Murphy, were present at the start line. Kathleen joined family and friends in walking the 4-mile route, while Ray led out the runners on his motorbike, joined by fellow members of Camcor Cycles, who also assisted with marshalling duties along the course. Ashling’s sister Amy presented Hannah with the Ashling Murphy Perpetual Trophy.

Volunteers were out in force all along the route, providing support, encouragement, and ensuring the safety of all participants. Offaly Athletics and the Ashling Murphy Foundation extend sincere thanks to everyone who gave their time to make this event such a success. Many thanks to those who were in O’Connor Square from early morning setting up for the day ahead.

Special thanks to the Ballyboy Comhaltas, whose performances along the route lifted the spirits of everyone passing by.

The organisers are also deeply grateful to, among others, Offaly County Coun; An Garda Síochána; Offaly Civil Defence; Barry Minnock and Centra Ireland for their generous sponsorship (every finisher received a fantastic goody bag); and the Bridge House for complimentary refreshments for volunteers after the race.

Age group winners

1st O40 – Niamh McNihill and Jonathan Dunne (both Tullamore Harriers AC). 1st O45 – Evelyn Herlihy (Tullamore Harriers) and Colin Coyne (St Abban's AC). 1st O50 – Aisling Corcoran (Mullingar Harriers) and Barry Minnock (Tullamore Harriers). 1st O60 - Mary Stewart and Eddie Lynch (both Mullingar Harriers). 1st O70 – Eileen Kenny (Tullamore Harriers) and Nicky McCabe (Mullingar Harriers). Overall Peugeot Team - 1st: Tullamore Harriers AC – Kevin Minnock, Paul Mitchell, Barry Minnock, Sarah Flanagan, Evelyn Herlihy and Karen Nolan.

Top 100 finishers

Sean Tobin (Clonmel AC) 19:18; Eanna O'Bradaigh (Dundrum South Dublin AC) 19:52; Kevin Minnock (Tullamore Harriers) 20:21; Paul Mitchell (Tullamore Harriers) 20:35; Colin Coyne (St Abban's AC) 21:47; Barry Minnock (Tullamore Harriers) 21:59; Barry Mooney (Tullamore Harriers) 22:00; Hannah Steeds (Leevale AC) 22:03; Cian Mulvey 22:10; Jonathan Dunne (Tullamore Harriers) 22:16; Shane Minogue (Moycarkey Coolcroo AC) 22:16; Gerard Hanlon (Edenderry AC) 22:23; Adam Courtney (Ferbane AC) 22:28; Cian Law (Tullamore Harriers) 22:08; Niall Kelly (Ferbane AC) 22:50; Adriele Prina Mello (Dundrum South Dublin AC) 22:53; Steven Rosney (Kilcormac Killoughey AC) 22:56; Pat O'Brien (Birr AC) 22:57; Oliver Galvin (Clara AC) 23:18; William Kerr (Ballyroan Abbeyleix and District AC) 23:20; Ciaran Carr (Newbridge AC) 23:27; Peter Maguire (Edenderry AC) 23:43; Tom Wallace 23:47; Ciaran Reynolds 23:50; Shane McGuinness (Tullamore Harriers) 23:52; Gary Whittle (Tullamore Harriers) 23:52; Declan Murphy (Naomh Mhuire AC) 23:55; Stephen Bracken (Coralstown Kinnegad AC) 24:10; Padraig Berry (Tullamore Harriers) 24:15; Brendan Donagher (Naomh Mhuire AC) 24:18; Glen Mangan (Edenderry AC) 24:20; Darren Butler (Tullamore Harriers) 24:22; Darren Bermingham (Naomh Mhuire AC) 24:31; Daniel Molloy (Tullamore Harriers) 24:35; Kieran Nolan (Mullingar Harriers) 24:38; Eddie Lynch (Mullingar Harriers) 24:40; Kevin Looby (Naomh Mhuire AC) 24:44; Stephen Norton 24:32; Rod Lambert (St. Coca's AC) 24:47; Sarah Flanagan (Tullamore Harriers) 24:51; Gerard Cleary (Naomh Mhuire AC) 24:53; Orlaith Flanagan (Mullingar Harriers) 25:05; John Sourke (St Abban's AC) 24:50; Paul Reape 25:06; Ken Hume (Clara AC) 25:06; Tony Gibbons 24:51; Dervish Bartlett (Birr AC) 25:19; Nick McGowan (Tullamore Harriers) 25:17; Jodie O'Reilly (Tullamore Harriers) 25:16; Stephen Mahon 25:21; Jason McKevitt (Mullingar Harriers) 25:18; Patrick Bowe (Moyne AC) 25:22; Gerard Charles (Kilcormac Killoughey AC) 25:27; Joe Gleeson (Birr AC) 25:33; Alan Heffernan (Tullamore Harriers) 25:33; Daniel McGee (Birr AC) 25:35; Glen Finlay (Tullamore Harriers) 25:37; Sean Purcell (Clara AC) 25:38; Dermot Egan (Ferbane AC) 25:40; Aisling Corcoran (Mullingar Harriers) 25:50; Brian Fogarty (Birr AC) 25:54; Gearoid McHugh (Tullamore Harriers) 25:55; Kenneth O'Connor (Banagher AC) 25:57; Brendan Abbott (Tullamore Harriers) 25:58; Liam Coughlan (Banagher AC) 25:59; Damien O'Mahony 26:00; Gerard O Hanlon (St. Coca's AC) 26:07 Stephen Buckley (Kilcormac Killoughey AC) 25:55 Darren Leech (Coralstown Kinnegad AC) 26:07 Evelyn Herlihy (Tullamore Harriers) 26:15; Mary Stuart (Mullingar Harriers) 26:25; Shaun Bull (Edenderry AC) 26:23; Luke Maher 26:29; Dave Dunican (Tullamore Harriers) 26:29; Nick Gover (Rhode AC) 26:12; Justin Murtagh (Tullamore Harriers) 26:33; John Long (Mullingar Harriers) 26:37; Francis Martyn (Kilcormac Killoughey AC) 26:43; David Hackett (Kilcormac Killoughey AC) 26:44; Tim Camon (Ferbane AC) 26:51; Willie Duffy 26:52; Ciara Brid Moran (Naomh Mhuire AC) 26:56; JP McLoughlin (Rhode AC) 26:36; Jim Whelehan 26:51; Kevin Carey (Rhode AC) 26:42; Stephen Gallagher (Clara AC) 27:07; James Barry 27:10; David Kennedy 27:24; Karen Nolan (Tullamore Harriers) 27:22; Joe Leonard 27:23; Mikie Horan (Banagher AC) 27:26; Gerry Dunican (Tullamore Harriers) 27:22; Gearóid Oman 27:33; Enda Molloy 27:06; Dermot Brereton 27:30; Larry Havens (St. Michael's AC) 26:48; Darragh O'Brien (North Westmeath AC) 27:38; Alan Mitchell (Tullamore Harriers) 27:43; Liam Dunne (Tullamore Harriers) 27:44; Rita Daly Ravenhill (Tullamore Harriers) 27:52.