BHAA and Dublin marathon tradition

BHAA Admin • November 16, 2022

It was wonderful to welcome back, and see again the Dublin Marathon in October 2022. Like every Dublin marathon the BHAA link continues and not only in terms of volunteer BHAA support and involvement.  Many BHAA members participated but it was notably satisfying to  see  three  current committee members cross the finish line with smiley faces.  Hats off to John Fitzgerald, Colm Murray and Stephen Naughton. 



John Fitzgerald 

Committee man John Fitzgerald (Hotels) ran his 23rd Dublin marathon this year. With an international pedigree, he has competed in a total of 35 including, including—Amsterdam, Belfast, Berlin, Boston, London and New York. He has participated in BHAA races for many years when he is not running up and down mountains with the Irish Mountain Runners Association.   


After his knee replacement in 2013, John never expected to run again never mind running a marathon. However he was determined to never give up and promised himself to try at least.  So with of programme over several months of progression going from brisk walking, slow jogging, cycling and knee strengthening and gym work he finally won my battle to run again. 


He achieved two goals this year. Running the friendly Dublin City Marathon and also running in the World Master's Cross Country race in Clonmel, for first time ever hosted in Ireland.   That is inspiring to us all. 


As Michael Caine might say “not many people know this “, John has met former USA president Bill Clinton and has the photograph to prove it.

Colm Murray

Colm Murray (ZoneBrand.ie) BHAA webmaster also ran in this year’s Dublin marathon, it was his 13thDublin marathon. His first marathon was New York 2007. He has a total of 29 marathons completed: 13 Dublin, 5 Seville, 2 Rotterdam, 2 London, Berlin, Belfast, Edinburgh, Barcelona, NY, Boston, and Chicago this October which he completed in 2:55 , which was also his 20th sub 3 hours marathon. So he has  “some engine”, with a PB of 2.49 in Seville in 2020


He has a distinguished racing career including winning Men’s Over 50 in the 2019 National Half Marathon championship. More details of his running exploits in a later blog. 


Colm and Jerry Kiernan’s advice

“Jerry Kiernan would never let me run back to back marathons, and stupidly I ignored his advice and ran Dublin 2022 just after Chicago and paid the price. I felt awful after 5k, even worse after 20k and walked/hobbled the last 10k :) I'm sure he's up there somewhere shaking his head in disappointment... never again! “


Stephen Naughton

Current honorary secretary and former chair Stephen Naughton (ESB)   was another 2022 Dublin finisher. He has run five marathons – four Dublin and one in Belfast which was his first in 1982 in an impressive 3.03 in 131st place.  He wanted to go back for more, but like many family and work commitments curtailed him but he was a constant BHAA runner for team ESB.  His four Dublin runs were 1983, 2011, 2019 and 2022.


 

Stephen’s Dublin memories - meeting John at start of 2022 marathon and the buzz and excitement 

“The 2022 Dublin Marathon is fresh in my mind and it was a fabulous experience. The pre-race atmosphere was electric around Merrion Square and the anticipation was palpable. I met up with fellow committee member John Fitzgerald near the start line and we exchanged some nervous chat and encouragement. The first 10 miles were incredible with the fantastic supporters on the roadside, the live bands in the Phoenix Park/Castleknock, the warm weather with a gentle breeze - for a runner, the following phrase came to mind 'It doesn't get much better than this!'.


The encouragement and crack with the supporting crowds was fantastic, an unforgettable experience. Every crowded road junction gave a real boost and carried you to the next one. Some great signs and banners displayed at the kerbside - I particularly remember an unusual but funny one that runners would appreciate 'All Toenails Go to Heaven!'


The final few miles were as tough as it gets - from heartbreak hill at Fosters Avenue to Ballsbridge, I had to dig deep to keep the pace going. The final 'purple' mile was a huge success with the crowds seeming louder and larger than ever. They were able to lift me and carry me home to the very welcome finish line. I punched the air as I crossed the line - a job well done. “ 

 


Stephen’s marathon advice and insight 

The Marathon challenge is unique where a runner has to go beyond the normal/natural running limits of around 18/20 miles. This is the time when you run out of energy reserves and your specific long distance training allows you to rise to the occasion and finish the distance.

DCC 6k Road Race, St. Anne's Park, Raheny

By Gerry Flaherty • April 15, 2026
St. Anne’s Park provided the perfect setting for the BHAA Dublin City Council 6km on a cool, bright, and breezy morning. The race followed a meandering route around the lower end of the park, offering a mostly flat course with a few gentle hills to test participants’ fitness. Over 130 runners took part, with many participating as part of the Lord Mayor’s 5 Alive Challenge. The race was officially started by the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr Ray McAdam. A big thank you to everyone who supported the event, and well done to all the Dublin City Council volunteers who turned out to help on the day.  The men’s race came down to a thrilling sprint finish, with Patrick Joseph MacGabhann narrowly edging out Sean Doran by just one second, finishing in 19:32. Edel McCreery was the first female home, crossing the line in an impressive 22:42. Gerry Flaherty

Third time lucky for Central Bank Cross-Country Race

By Sinead Lyons • March 15, 2026
At the third attempt, Robbie Beggs and his tenacious crew from Central Bank of Ireland staged their Cross-Country race in Jobstown Park, Tallaght on Saturday 14 th March. A cool breeze from the mountains kept temperatures down, but aside from that, running conditions were almost perfect. The course route was as interesting as the park could be made, with a nice incline included for good measure. The winner was Paul Fleming who lead the race from very early on. The first lady home, in 4 th position overall was Laura McDonnell. There were great performances throughout the field, with all runners across the line within 40 minutes. Well done to everyone. When all participants had crossed the line, it was back to the Tallaght Leisure Centre for refreshments and prizes. The male and female winners were presented with commemorative coins as an extra memento of the race. Well done to all of the stewards and volunteers from BHAA and from Central Bank and fair play to Robbie and the team for not giving up and for keeping this race on the BHAA calendar for another year. Photos and footage from the race and the prize-giving can be found on facebook and on Instagram. 

Teacher’s Cross-Country Race at Clonkeen College

By Diarmuid Doyle • February 23, 2026
The Spring is sprung,  The grass is riz I wonder where the BHAA is... After the disappointment of recent race cancellations, it was great to be back! We were warmly welcomed at Clonkeen College, Deangrange by an enthusiastic and efficient crew of volunteer muinteoiri and School staff. The mild, sunny weather on race-day was a welcome change after the wet conditions of recent weeks. Surprisingly, the underfoot conditions were fairly dry and the flat, zig-zag course, skirting the playing fields was well grassed with little or no mud and just a few thistles here and there. 81 runners toed the line for the 6k combined race. KPMG’s Conor Burke was an impressive winner in the men’s division, while Niall Sherlock in 2 nd place had the honour of being the 1 st teacher. Sheila Nolan was the 1 st woman home with Vanessa Sallier 2 nd . The facilities were excellent - It was great to get a hot shower after racing, and the sun shone throughout the presentation of prizes. Those of us who missed out on glory were consoled with tea coffee biscuits and copious slices of cake and brack. With luck, we’ll have this super venue for “Teacher’s race “ for many future years. Thanks to Darren Egan, Jim Lynch and all who organised, volunteered and supported. Thank you to Harry Teehan for the photos capturing a great race.

BHAA Race of the Year 2025

By Stephen Naughton • January 27, 2026
The Race of the Year 2025 was awarded to BCM Global for their 5k trail race in the Phoenix Park. As a first time race organiser, Sinead Lyons (race director) and her team from BCM Global put in a lot of work into the race and it has been duly rewarded. The trophy was presented to Sinead Lyons (BCM Global) by Stephen Naughton, BHAA Chairman.

2025 Summer League Presentation of Team Prizes

By Stephen Naughton • January 27, 2026
The prizes and trophies for the BHAA Summer League 2026 were presented at the AGM. There were 30 cash prizes totalling over €1600 for the individual winners of the various categories. The team winners in the leagues were presented with their much sought after trophies by BHAA President Jim Kelly - Men’s team winners were ESB (Mick Quirke accepting) and Women’s team winners were Bank of Ireland (Eamon O’Neill on behalf of Women’s team). 

BHAA AGM 2025

By Stephen Naughton • January 27, 2026
The BHAA held its 2025 AGM in Sportsco on Monday 26 January 2026. The date of the AGM was changed from December to January to facilitate easier meeting preparations and allow more time for the annual accounts to be completed. This was agreed through a motion at the 2024 AGM. The BHAA financial accounts for 2025 were presented at the meeting. The accounts were audited by the BHAA auditors and were deemed to be a fair and reasonable representation. The BHAA and Irish Life Dublin City Marathon team continue to work closely on common matters and Jim Aughney from DCM gave a very interesting review of the Dublin City Marathon & Half Marathon as well as the Summer Race Series in 2025 A new committee was elected for 2026, see below; - President; Jim Kelly - Chairperson; Stephen Naughton - Vice-Chairperson; Mary Rigney - Treasurer; Enda Currid - Registrar; Kathleen Horgan - Secretary; Sinead Lyons - Webmaster; Colm Murray - PRO; Charlie Cronin

AIB/NUI & 2 Mile & 4 Mile Cross Country Race

By Jim Kelly • October 30, 2025
Nice setting and weather for Maynooth cross country race

DCC BHAA Race Report 2025 Irishtown 5K

By Jim Kelly • July 23, 2025
Leafy balmy Dublin 4’s Sean Moore Park was the venue for a BHAA race that started in its original form in 2005 at Irishtown Stadium and Ringsend Park. So for twenty years except for the Covid hiatus, Dublin City Council runners continue to deliver two BHAA races annually. The 2025 version had a race course in Sean Moore Park and the Poolbeg peninsula with beautiful views of Dublin bay. Before the race, dark clouds threatened rain. However it t was pleasing to see 167 entrants line up and finish without a drop of rain.

BHAA BCMGlobal 5km Trail Race Report

By Sinead Lyons • July 7, 2025
On a warm Summer’s evening….

That Was The League That Was

By Sinead Lyons • April 26, 2025
From Terra “Feirme” to Terra Firma and everything in between. The Winter League prize presentation will be held at the Irish Life race on 27th May in Dunboyne. It is fitting that the prize-giving for the Winter League 2024-25 takes place in Meath, because that’s where the league began in November on Ledwith Farm in Batterstown. The townies were delighted with their day out down on the farm, complete with a real live bull and all the sights and sounds and smells of agriculture to accompany the race. Revenue pulled a race out of the bag in record time and presented us with a new race in a new venue on 1st December. Santa arrived a little early with plenty spot prizes and treats. BHAA Stalwarts Bank of Ireland were back in Tymon Park for the annual race that wakes us all up after Christmas. A little earlier than usual, the Garda Cross country race took place in Phoenix Park. As ever, a popular race on a tough cross country course. We were disappointed when the Eir race had to be cancelled. Teachers and Central Bank of Ireland hosted their races in two new locations. The Teachers, (back on the BHAA Calendar after a sabbatical) in St. Columba’s College and CBI in Jobstown Park. The Central Bank race has been nomadic for the last few years, but hopefully it has found a new home and will continue to host this very popular race for years to come. In a new venture, BHAA and AIB teamed up with the Women’s Meet & Train League to host the 2 and 4 mile races in Abbottstown in March. An unprecedented statistic from this race, there were more running the 2 mile women’s race than the men’s. Normally a no-no in BHAA races, Athletic club singlets abounded for the 2 mile race! We ended the league with another constant on the BHAA calendar. ALSAA hosted the 2 and 5 mile races on an unseasonably warm day. We thought warm weather training had started early! Kudos to all of the Race Promoters and to the BHAA volunteers who turn up week after week (and in February there were 4 races in as many weeks!); and Kudos to all of the athletes, without whom Business Houses Athletics would not happen. The BHAA committee continues to work away behind the scenes planning and arranging races. If your company would like to participate in our races, or would like to host a race, please email us at info@bhaa.ie. We have the knowledge and will help you, all you need is the enthusiasm.
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