MEATH athlete Nichola Sheridan pulled off the ultimate ‘Irish goodbye’ prior to her victory n Sunday’s inaugural Dublin City Half Marathon.
The runner hilariously revealed that she snook away her sister’s hen party on Saturday night before storming to victory in the race.
The Bohermeen AC athlete clocked a winning time of 78 minutes flat to become the first-ever women’s champion of the new event.
Nearly 12,000 runners hit the streets of the Irish capital on a sunny Mother’s Day.
Sherdian was delighted after her win as she revealed why she once again took up running after the sad passing of her father.
She said: “This is the biggest win of my career.
“When my dad passed away when I was 18, I took up running again and David Carrie, who was a good friend of my dad’s, started coaching me two years ago.
“He’s brought my time down from 1:25 to 1:16 and is an amazing support.”
Sheridan romped to victory ahead of Sportsworld’s Noreen Brouder (81:42), with her friend Edel Gaffney of Trim AC third with a time of 83:31.
The runner went on to admit that she left her sister’s hen party early due to the mini-marathon.
She added: “I had my sister’s hen yesterday.
“so I had to do an Irish goodbye — shout out to her because I don’t think she was too impressed I had to leave!.
“The atmosphere was unbelievable. It was a really good course, well organised.”
On the men’s side, it was Killian Mooney of Dundrum South Dublin AC who took the win in style, cruising home in 65:40.
The event was just his third ever half marathon.
Speaking after his success in the inaugural run, he admitted it was extra special.
He said: “It was amazing, I loved it.
“Running through the city, past Croke Park, was so enjoyable.”
“I never thought I’d do a ‘half’,” he added. “I was much more of a 10km runner, but I think I may have found my distance now.”
David Kelly of St Coca’s AC took second in 67:02. The PE teacher and former US collegiate runner is still coached by Irish great Mark Carroll.
He was delighted with the result but admitted the mental toll the sport has taken on him.
Kelly said: “A year ago I was mentally burned out, just needed a break.
“I’m not putting any pressure on myself now and I haven’t missed a day since January which is really working for me.”
Michael Fox of Armagh AC rounded out the men’s podium in 67:24.
The wheelchair races were also fiercely contested.
Kildare’s Patrick Monahan winning the men’s race in 50:59, and British Paralympian Jade Hall taking the women’s title in 57:07.
The got underway at 8:30am on O’Connell Street, it saw runners take on a scenic 21km route through Ballybough, Whitehall, Raheny, Clontarf and Fairview, before finishing up on Guild Street.
The Lord Mayor of Dublin Emma Blain praised the event and its impact on community before going on to congratulate all participants.
Blain said: “I want to congratulate everyone who participated today,” she said, “whether you came near the top or the back of the field, what a brilliant achievement to take part in a half marathon.
“We want to make Dublin an active, inclusive city for all,” she continued.
“Through the Dublin City Sport & Wellbeing Partnership, we work to break down barriers and create opportunities for people of all backgrounds to engage in sport and physical activity.
“Our Community Engagement Half Marathon Programme is a key part of this vision—supporting 225 participants on their journey to the start line.
“From running clubs to community groups, we’re empowering people to unlock their potential and build lasting connections through sport.”
SELL OUT
Tickets for the race sold out in a matter of hours back in January, with the €68 entry fee including a finisher’s medal and T-shirt.
A €13,500 prize fund was split among the top five male and female finishers on the day.
Organisers say the debut race has firmly cemented its place on the Irish athletics calendar.
Demand is already high for the 2026 race, and hopes are even higher for a bigger field next year.
