Kildare's Kelly secures podium place in the inaugural Dublin City half marathon
Kevin Kelly crosses the finish line to second in the men's race at the inaugural Dublin City Half Marathon Photo: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
The inaugural Dublin City Half Marathon took place last weekend, marking a major new milestone in the annual running calendar. Kevin Kelly from Kildare secured second place running 67:02. The race was won by Killian Mooney from Dundrum South Dublin AC, with Armagh’s AC Michael Fox taking third in 67:24.
Speaking after the race Kelly of St Coca’s AC said: “I’m over the moon with that. The last 12 months have been tough — I wasn’t even running this time last year. Then in November, me and my dad decided we’d run it together. He finished in 1 hour 45 minutes, which is brilliant.”
“I didn’t have big ambitions, really. I just started stacking up weeks and the workouts began to pick up. I don’t taper much, and that seems to work for me.”
“I ran a 10K out in Rathcoffey a few weeks ago in 31 and a half minutes, but that’s a long way from a half marathon. I got to 10 miles today feeling really good. The coast road was windy, but coming into the home straight I thought, this is good — this is fun.”
“I raced against Killian in Portlaoise a few weeks back. He’s a great runner. We all caught him that day, but it wasn’t to be today.” It was also the first major title for women’s winner Sheridan (28) of Bohermeen AC, a primary school teacher in her native Meath, who revealed afterwards that she’d attended her sister’s hen party the previous night; “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.”
She came home in 78 minutes flat, over three and a half minutes ahead of Sportsworld’s Noreen Brouder (81:42). Sheridan’s good friend Edel Gaffney (Trim AC), whom she met through running 18 months ago and had earlier warmed up with, took third in 83:31.
Kildare’s Patrick Monahan won the men’s wheelchair race in 50 minutes 59 seconds and British Paralympian Jade Hall won the women’s wheelchair event in 57:07.
Nearly 12,000 runners—from elite athletes and club competitors to charity fundraisers and first-time half marathoners—took to the streets, covering 21km in glorious sunshine through Dublin’s northside. Organised by the experienced team behind the Irish Life Dublin Marathon and Race Series, in partnership with Dublin City Council, the event underscored the capital’s commitment to hosting major sporting events that foster community participation and promote active, healthy lifestyles. Backed by Irish Life, a dedicated advocate for health and wellness, the event embodied the spirit of inclusivity and determination, reinforcing its theme: “Run Together – Thrive Together.”
Lord Mayor of Dublin Emma Blain said: “I want to congratulate everyone who participated today, 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. 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. Well done everyone!”
