Latest news with #DublinMarathon
Powys County Times
6 days ago
- Health
- Powys County Times
Wales Air Ambulance saved her – Now she's to run 26 miles
A horse rider is taking on a 26-mile challenge to support Wales Air Ambulance, who helped save her life. Hannah Watson, a dental nurse from Manchester, is preparing to run the Dublin Marathon in October in support of the charity. She credits them with giving her a second chance at life following a serious horseback riding accident in 2017. Ms Watson said: "It's a reflection on how lucky I am to reach 30 and all the things I've managed to do post-accident and all the help I received. "It's been a long road to recovery, but I've made positive progress this past year especially." The experienced rider was injured during a British Eventing competition in Llanymynech, suffering three brain bleeds and four fractured vertebrae. Dr Graham Mayers, the Wales Air Ambulance consultant who treated her at the scene, said: "It was clear that Hannah had a serious injury which would get worse due to brain swelling if it wasn't controlled quickly with advanced medical care. "Hannah was given an anaesthetic which allowed us to put her on a breathing machine. "This is one of the most important interventions in preventing brain swelling." Ms Watson was transported to hospital once stabilised. When she regained consciousness, she was paralysed on her right side and experienced memory loss. She said: "I was initially bed-bound, which was hugely frustrating, as I am such an independent person. "I had to learn to walk, write, and improve my speech, all the things I had taken for granted before. "It's been a difficult journey, and I am so grateful to everyone who has helped me along the way." To mark her 30th birthday, she wanted to do something 'special' and decided to take on the marathon in Dublin. She said: "I am ticking off one of my bucket list wishes and competing in the Dublin Marathon in October. "I couldn't be happier to be running in aid of Wales Air Ambulance, the charity means so much to me and my family, I am alive because of the service." Ms Watson continues to visit her horse Beau daily, and fits her training around work and her care routine. She said: "I go to see Beau before work, and I go to him straight after too, so I only have time to run quite late in the evening. "Oftentimes, I don't sit down to eat tea until 9.30pm." Although she was advised not to ride again, Ms Watson said returning to the saddle helped her recovery. She said: "I was advised not to get back on him by the clinical team that looked after me, but to be honest riding Beau helped my recovery both mentally and physically. "My riding these days is a lot more casual and fun, a lot less intense and more about enjoying being out in the countryside." This is not her first fundraiser for the charity. She has previously raised more than £2,400 through a 10k run and the Manchester Half Marathon. Kate Thomas, regional fundraising manager for Powys, said: "Happy 30th birthday Hannah, from all the Wales Air Ambulance team. "We are so proud of Hannah's achievements over the past few years.
Irish Independent
17-07-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
Wexford dairy farmer to run four marathons in four days
After previously fundraising for national charities by taking on Dublin and Waterford Marathons, Ferns resident Kenneth was motivated to select a local concern this year after learning about the vital work undertaken by Arklow-based East Coast Samaritans from his mother-in-law Olive, a long-serving volunteer with the charity. The Sliabh Buidhe Rovers Athletic Club member had already been plotting a grand adventure for 2025, and had set his sights on the ultra-challenging Quadrathon, a test of endurance that will see Kenneth run a separate route every day, completing a single 105-mile loop over four days, through hills, mountains and along coastal roads around Inishowen and the Wild Atlantic Way. Diligently preparing for the challenge, Kenneth said he feels an immense sense of pride to be raising funds for a local cause that is so close to his heart, adding that seeing donations come in will give him all the fuel he needs to push through the pain barrier. 'My mother-in-law, Olive, does volunteer work for East Coast Samaritans, answering calls at night, and after speaking to her and learning that they are the only Samaritans branch in the country who have to pay rent, I knew I had to fundraise for them,' Kenneth began. 'I usually raise money for the big, national charities, but when Olive told me about the great work that East Coast Samaritans do, and the fact that it's local, helping local people that are going through a bad time with their mental health, that clinched it for me. 'I suppose, like a lot of other people, you get into running for your mental health. It has helped me so much. So, for me to actually help raise money for a mental health charity, and maybe inspire others to take up running, exercise or getting outdoors for their mental health, that's massive for me. 'I've had a good few donations already, with some from friends and some from people I wouldn't even know, and I'll be giving updates every day during the Quadrathon – hopefully the donations will keep coming in,' he added. 'I know, when I'm up there running in the hills, just thinking about donations coming in and the difference that might make to someone's life will keep me going.' Unlike flat marathon courses, extreme north races require a little more endurance, with runners flocking to Donegal on August 14 encouraged to allow an extra 10pc on their normal marathon time to account for elevation and back-to-back runs. Having recently recovered from a lower back injury that cause bad sciatica, Kenneth has kicked into overdrive to prepare his body for the rigors of the challenge, ascending peaks like Sliabh Buí and seeking out mountainous terrain wherever he can find it as part of his pre-Quadrathon training regime. 'I am always up for a challenge, and I usually do the Dublin Marathon, and I was trying to get a sub-three-hour time, which I was delighted to get in Amsterdam,' Kenneth said. 'I came across the Quadrathon after I was scrolling through Facebook and saw that someone from the Wexford Marathon Club had done four marathons. So, I started researching it, and thought I'd love to do that. 'I applied for it, but then got unlucky when I got injured and had very bad sciatica. I was trying to work and couldn't really train, so I just did a bit of gym instead. I kept working at it, and I started back cycling. 'Now I'm back running, and things are going well. 'I've been doing a good few races just to get up to speed, and a lot of my long runs are hilly, because the marathons I'll be doing in Donegal are not like Waterford or Dublin,' he continued. 'They're up in the hills along the Atlantic Way and you could be climbing for two miles, so you have to prepare the body for that. 'I did the Glendalough Lap of the Gap Marathon last year, which was a challenging one because it's very hilly, but it was good practice. 'You're running four marathons, so you need to be able for that high mileage and basically get the body used to being under pressure and running on tired legs. Even if I was going for a recovery run, I'll find a few hills to go up, just to keep the body under pressure. 'It's nice to have something to work towards, and it's a challenge for me, which I love – so it's a win-win.' You can support Kenneth via
Irish Independent
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Legendary Kerry Olympic runner to be honoured with run in his name in Listowel
Jerry, a Listowel native, finished ninth in the Olympic marathon in 1984 and was a two-time winner of the Dublin Marathon. He later coached many of Ireland's best athletes, including Ciara Mageean, who he guided to a European 1500m bronze in 2016. In all, Jerry ran six marathons in under 2hrs 14 mins - a time only 13 other Irish men have ever achieved - and won three of them, long before the advent of 'super shoes' . In addition to his achievements on track and road, Jerry also shone over the softer ground, winning the national cross country title in 1984 and competing in seven world cross country championships, including an outstanding 26th place in Rome in 1982, finishing only 11 seconds behind the incomparable Miruts Yifter and leaving Olympic medalists Emiel Puttemans, John Treacy and Karel Lismont in his wake. The upcoming run in Jerry's name is being organised by Lios Tuathail AC and they are describing the event as ' a tribute run honouring the legacy of one of Ireland's most respected distance runners and coaches' and are hoping that as many people as possible come and take part on a day that they say will be a celebration of sport, spirit and community. The run will be a 'fast' 5k route through the town, finishing up in the historic town square in the heart of the town. The run will be suitable for all levels of runners/walkers and athletes. Keep an eye on the Lios Tuathail Facebook page for further updates.
Extra.ie
10-06-2025
- Extra.ie
Brother of Wicklow woman injured during marathon training dies
The family of a Wicklow woman who sustained life-changing injuries after she was marathon training in Sicily have been struck with tragedy once again following the death of their 17-year-old son. Hannah Leonard was training for the Dublin Marathon when she was struck by a car on October 6, last year. The young woman was hit while crossing a pedestrian crossing, and has been in Beaumont Hospital since the beginning of the year while she awaits a place in the National Rehabilitation Hospital. Hannah Leonard was training for the Dublin Marathon when she was struck by a car on October 6, last year. Pic: Facebook A Go Fund Me was launched following the horror accident, with Hannah's father Kevin sharing updates on his daughter's recovery. In his latest update, Kevin admitted he wasn't going to do an update following the death of his son Dylan, aged 17, but was then met with a 'beautiful sign.' Kevin wrote: 'And so tragedy has visited our family again, this time more final. Hannah has tragically lost her younger brother Dylan. I wasn't going to do an update this week but then we got the most beautiful sign that he has wrapped his guardian angel wings around his sister. The family of a Wicklow woman who sustained life-changing injuries after she was marathon training in Sicily have been struck with tragedy once again following the death of their 17-year-old son. Pic: 'His last visit with Hannah was this day week ago, and it was magical. Hannah always has the best reactions for her siblings and last Friday was no different, squeezing Dylan's hand, moving her body, giving him the most intense eye contact and trying to speak to him but she hasn't gotten there just yet.' Kevin went on to detail the phone call he received from Beaumont Hospital, adding that he is always filled with concern when they call. Fortunately, the news the family had awaited since January had come — Hannah had been given a place in the National Rehabilitation Hospital where she will be transferred in the 'coming weeks.' 'Overcome with emotions, I almost missed the next bit of news, the tracheotomy has been removed,' Kevin added, '7 months we've been waiting to hear that, her consultant now believing that it will aid in Hannah's recovery.' The grieving father admitted it was hard to feel joy during such a difficult time but said the family drew comfort from Dylan acting as his sisters' guardian angel. 'He may not have been able to help her in life but now he does as her guardian angel,' Kevin shared, 'He would have been so happy to celebrate these significant milestones.' To follow on Hannah's journey, or donate to support her recovery go here.
RTÉ News
06-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- RTÉ News
Why turning 30 isn't a deadline - it's a launchpad for new joys
A milestone birthday should be the spark for exploring new hobbies, conquering fears, and joining some of Ireland's most welcoming social circles instead of panicking over a number, writes Kate Brayden. For some, turning 30 instills a sense of panic or introspection around the current state of your life. Especially women, for obvious societal reasons. For me, the only sense of fear I felt was in relation to things I promised myself I'd try in my twenties that I had yet to start. When I was in college, I wanted to learn how to DJ. I tried attending a society that was supposed to teach lessons for beginners, but found the all-male scene too intimidating. It was one of those things I always said I'd eventually get around to, but never did. The final four weeks before my 30th birthday, I signed up for two-hour workshops with Skin&Blister and Puzzy Wrangler, who showed me the ropes of the craft without judgement. Whether I will ever become an actually skilled DJ who can play four-hour sets in the basement of Tengu is another story, but pushing myself to learn something that always scared and excited me felt like an achievement on my 30th birthday. I also started bouldering to force me to get over both a fear of public-facing exercise and heights - and built up strength over 12 months (I can now carry grocery bags without nearly passing out!). I faced a fear of public swimming pools after a childhood incident, and now go regularly to my local spot without anxiety anymore. It only took four attempts. After going to Colombia for five weeks and having the stark realisation that I did not have a notion of how to communicate with anyone there, I promised myself that I'd sign up for Spanish classes once I came home. My Leaving Certificate French was useless in South America, a region I will definitely be returning to. Last year, I started attending Instituto Cervantes in person and did a second batch of classes virtually, which has been rewarding. My 30th birthday felt like a fresh start, mostly because I had given myself confidence that I could try something new whenever I felt like it - and had the financial means, in some cases. Age doesn't have to revolve around what milestones you've achieved at that stage in life as a woman, it can just be about the everyday joys you give yourself that don't follow a timeline. Ireland is packed full of activities of all types to try, encompassing arts and crafts, sports, culture, movement and more. Whether it's about trying something you've always had an interest in, meeting new people or challenging yourself, you won't be stuck for options here. The 'be a good sport' approach Not all of us are able to cross the finish line at the Dublin Marathon, and that's fine. For those of us who still break into a cold sweat at the word 'cardio', Ireland offers a range of social sports leagues like tag rugby and mixed hockey - fun, informal, and built for friend-making. Queer friendly football clubs like Phoenix Tigers and Emerald Warriors have built incredible networks if you're searching for your tribe. Social Sports Dublin (@socialsportsdublin) connects multiple clubs together, like Ultimate Frisbee groups for women, men and non-binary people (@sundrivesocial and @rosemountgreenuf recently had a friendly). Shout out to @herbyhoofaround and @kerrytownkickabout for their ability to welcome people from every background and nationality to their pitches without taking themselves too seriously. For the thrill-seekers, there's a growing community of mountain bikers and climbers hitting places like Ticknock or Glendalough on weekends (look up @mountaineering_ireland on Instagram for routes and events, and the amazing @galzgonewild_ gang are now in Dublin, Wicklow, Cork and Galway). Or dip into cold water swimming: the @seaswimsquad crew in the North and Irish open water community offers swims that feel like pure magic. If you're after something intense but indoors, CrossFit and Hyrox gyms are booming across Dublin and Cork, especially, offering both competition and community. Bouldering has also seen a massive uptick in recent years, with The Wall in Sandyford proving popular as well as its sister site Bloc opening in Dublin 22. You can also try Awesome Walls near Finglas and Gravity Climbing Gym in Inchicore - both great, established spots. Of course, we can't omit run clubs. Though they have boomed in numbers during the Covid pandemic (and the bigger ones can be a tad clique-y at times, rumour has it), there are smaller ones that strive to put friendship and encouragement first. For example, @slowgirlruns_dublin is a relaxed group catering to a more easygoing pace, emphasising fun and fitness over speed. @the_libertiesrunningclub welcomes runners of all abilities - same for @innercityrunningclub's community-focused crew. The 'you're very cultured in your old age' approach Not everyone can aspire to be a polyglot, but learning a new language can be both useful for travelling and great for training your brain. If you want to learn cúpla focal or get your fluency back, Conradh na Gaeilge on Harcourt Street offers Irish language classes that double as cultural hubs. Whether you're a Gaeilgeoir or a complete beginner, you'll find a session to suit you - and probably some cairde, too. Ireland's literary scene is thriving, and you can dive in at book clubs like Léamh Rave or by volunteering at literature festivals. You can also find groups who love to sit and read in silence together, if you want to escape into another world surrounded by others before gathering at a pub or restaurant after to discuss each person's books. Writing groups like Frustrated Writers or literary salons like Salon Rógaire as Gaeilge are also on the rise. For something a little more offbeat, Timeleft hosts "dinners with strangers" - perfect if you're looking to have a conversation between five people (matched with personality tests) that doesn't go beyond small talk. Love strategising? Try board game nights via @meetup_dublin or @boarddublin - oddly addictive and easy to chat to people with easygoing competition. The 'move into your thirties' approach We've all experienced the targeted ads for ClassPass on our feeds, presumably. Yoga is everywhere, but some of the more specific communities are great for moving your body in a focused way while chatting to some lovely people. Some more catered classes in Dublin now have wine nights after a restorative session, or yoga while listening to live music - like Sunflower Sessions (@sunflowersessions_ on Instagram). Aerial classes have also seen a major increase in members, with many women in particular finding the strength-building and community to be empowering beyond measure. Irish Aerial Creation Centre in Limerick is Ireland's home for aerial arts - and offers hoop, silks, rope and Cyr wheel classes for adults, professionals and juniors. Tribute Fitness and Dance Studio in Dublin offers pole fitness, aerial hoop, acrobalance, flexibility, and heels classes with a vibrant atmosphere. Whether you're a beginner or advanced, Tribe provides a supportive environment to explore your passion for aerial arts. Outside of Dublin, you can try Flying High Fitness in Galway, Limerick and Ennis - or Pole Garage in Galway. The crafty 'Eat, Pray, Love' approach Embroidery classes like @be_alice_ are hosting 'sewcial' groups for meeting like-minded, crafty friends. Knitting, tufting, jewellery making, drawing classes - even wood turning - you can find it in the capital and in smaller communities around Cork, Clare, Galway and more. Pottery in Throwing Shapes, Temple Bar, and stained glass workshops in Flux Studios are both brilliant hubs for using your hands to make something new and fulfilling. Irish Stained Glass ( also has its own workshops on its website. Music is also one of the best ways to harness a new skill while meeting a community. You can take serious one-on-one classes with a tutor or attend group classes before trying open mic nights around your area, or try joining a choir if singing has always been your secret passion. For trad, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann are the largest group involved in the preservation and promotion of Irish traditional music, song and dance in the country, for example. Turning 30 isn't about landing at a final point and evaluating what you've done so far in your three decades. Ireland has plenty of welcoming communities and creative corners to discover more about yourself. Whether it's climbing a wall, learning salsa, sea swimming at sunset, or finally taking that DJ class you put off in college, the real win is just showing up. You don't need a five-year plan, just enough energy to introduce yourself in a room of strangers.
