The start of the 2009 Dublin Marathon will be particularly poignant for friends and relatives of the late Galwayman Dave Kelly.
Dave, a marathon runner and diabetic, had planned to run in the marathon but died tragically in a car accident earlier this month.
A well-known publican, he had a wide circle of friends. It was one of these close friends, Kenny McTigue, who suggested that 26 people could run a mile each to ensure Dave’s number would cross the finishing line on the day.
Given the tragic circumstances of the death and the immediate proximity to the race, Jim Aughney, the race director of the event, agreed to the request.
Dave had run numerous marathons, including Chicago, London, Cork, Amsterdam, Vienna and Dublin and also completed the Inca Trail Marathon to Machu Picchu, Peru with his wife Joan.
At the Dublin City Marathon his race number will be carried over the final 1.2 miles by Joan and his 11-year-old daughter Ruth. She is also a diabetic and all funds raised will be given to the Galway Diabetes Parents’ Support Group.
People can donate to Galway Diabetes Parents’ Support Group at Bank Of Ireland, Salthill, Galway. Sort Code 90-38-40. A/C 40071292 with a reference to ‘marathon’ on the lodgement.
