BY TOMMY NETHERY
FOR once all the soccer clubs in Castlederg will be singing from the same hymn sheet on Monday when three local celebrities attempt to complete the Dublin City Marathon in a bid to boost the coffers of two well-known charities.
Claire Faulkner, niece of Barrowfield stalwart Seamus Coyle and Jenny McMenamin, daughter of RJ Catterson, founder member of Spamount Swifts, are running for Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Dublin, while Pat O'Loughlin, whose son Ciaran plays for Churchtown FC, attempts to complete the 26 odd miles for the 28th time to raise funds for the MS Research Walton Centre in Liverpool.
Pat, a former UlsterHerald Special Achievement award winner, remains the only person in Northern Ireland to complete all 27 Dublin marathons to date, Claire and Jenny, best friends from their school days, are bidding to complete the ultimate endurance test for the first time.
Speaking ahead of their bold attempt, Claire explained why she and Jenny are following in the footsteps of Pat, who over the years has raised in the region of £40, 000 for a number of charities.
She said, "We always talked about doing a marathon and Jenny came up with the idea of raising money for the Crumlin Leukemia unit, where her niece Eimear Long had received tretament for two years.
"That was all the reason and encouragement we needed. We got a 100-day plan off the internet and we have used it as our guide towards training. Over the summer we trained on the beach at Rossnowlagh and have maintained that around the local roads in recent weeks.
"Once people became aware what we were attempting they have been giving very generously."
That's a sentiment echoed by Mr O'Loughlin, a jeweller in the West Tyrone town.
"People's generosity never ceases to amaze me. Just today two ladies came into the shop to give me £10 each," said the 70-year-old Pat, who over recent weeks has eased off his training schedule in preparation for the big day.
"About three weeks ago I had reached the 18-mile target and ever since I have been gradually easing off. In the next day or two I will be eating more and drinking more to build up my reserves. If I run under the five hour mark I will be delighted and, of course, I want to beat the two girls," joked the jovial Pat, who added, "I would welcome everyone's prayers on Monday. I start at 9pm and around about 12 noon I will be really suffering.
"All joking aside I wish Claire and Jenny all the best and want to thank everyone for their support and encouragement."
