McGlynn makes marathon podium six weeks after hamstring tear
Two-time defending champion Mucklagh native Anne Marie McGlynn of Strabane AC showed incredible resilience to claim second place in the national marathon championships, just six weeks after suffering a grade-two hamstring tear.
The national title was won by Limerick’s Ava Crean, a 19-year-old student in 2:34.12 ahead of McGlynn (2:36.24). Nichola Sheridan of Meath finished in 2:39.56 to take bronze in the national championships at Dublin on Sunday.
Crean and McGlynn, a contrast in youth and experience with 26 years between them, were together until the 21km mark in a fascinating tussle. McGlynn had no complaints at being beaten by the sensational teenager.
“My coach Emmet Dunleavy and Colin Griffin (who was supporting the rehab programme) wouldn’t let me throw it away. I drove straight to Dublin and rehabbed it hard. Honestly, I’m just glad I got here today.”
McGlynn, 45 years old and who holds a personal best of 2:29:34 from 2021, was full of admiration for her young rival.
“I really do want the young ones to come up. Ava’s just 19, full of running, and she has it. Some people just have that spark. She needs to be nurtured because she’s talented.”
Reflecting on the day’s results, McGlynn added: “David McGlynn winning today as well, two new young champions. That’s exactly what the Irish Life Dublin Marathon needs. I’ll still be coming back, but it’s great to see that next generation coming through.”
David McGlynn (Waterford AC) produced the performance of his life to win the men’s national title in 2:11:01,Leevale’s Ryan Creech (2:11.42) was runner-up for the third year in-a-row, with Paul O’Donnell of Dundrum South Dublin (DSD AC) third in 2:12.11. DSD AC’s Hiko Tonaso was up with the leading group for the first half, but that early pace cost him. He dropped out at the 35km mark.
National Results
Men: 1 D McGlynn (Waterford AC) 2:11:01, 2 R Creech (Leevale AC) 2:11:42, 3 P O’Donnell (Dundrum South Dublin AC) 2:12:11
Women: 1 A Crean (Back 2 Boston Running Club AC) 2:34:12, 2 A-M McGlynn (Strabane AC) 2:36:24, 3 N Sheridan (Bohermeen AC) 2:39:56