Marathon effort in Kiltale

The most famous sportsman to come out of the parish of Kiltale is Dessie
McGann. He has been a familiar sight training on the roads around the Meath
village for decades. His marathon efforts from Munich 1972 must have been an
inspiration for another marathoner Tommy Maher (Dunshaughlin AC) from nearby Batterjohn who
was one of Irelands top distance men in the 80s and 90s.

The urge to go the distance must be part of the local spirit because another
generation of marathon runners has cropped up at the local national school.
Last September Rose Cullen,the principal of Kiltale national school and
Catherine McLernon, a teachers assistant at the school set up an athletics
programme at the school. The plan was for all the children to complete a
marathon over a series of running sessions during the autumn and early
winter.Every pupil in the school from infants class right up to sixth
completed their own multi stage marathon and on Thursday 3rd February they
were honoured at a presentation following the final run out.

It was a joy to see the enthusiasm of the entire school as they set out to
complete the final leg of their run for marathon glory. They were buzzing
with anticipation at assembly. For many of them their first sports medal is
the one they will most treasure. All the teaching staff came out to
encourage and support their pupils and were full of praise for the
initiative.

Johnny Gorman,chairman of the parents association,  Ciaran Tobin, PRO Meath
Athletics and school principal Rose Cullen paid tribute to the packed
assembly of happy children on their great efforts. The parents association
provided each young runner with a lovely certificate of achievement and
medal. The school is now eager to send out its best team to the Meath
primary
schools cross country in March. Well done and good luck to all.