Donal Murray – Men’s Club Captain 2024.
Where are you from?
I’m a Corkman from Glasheen and Ballincollig and now live in Douglas.
How long are you a club member?
I joined St Finbarr’s about 8 to 10 years ago
What was it that attracted you to join St Finbarr’s AC?
I was 7 years old when I took up boxing so running would have been a big part of that. We used to run 3 to 4 miles before training sprinting between street lights or run 6 or 7 miles on other nights.
As the years went on between the ages of 15 to to my mid 20s I struggled with addiction. Forward another 10 to 15 years through my recovery and 17.5 stone later my brother who was already in St Finbarr’s convinced me to join, and I haven’t looked back since.
What is the best part of being a club member?
The best part of been a club member is how welcoming everyone is. Seeing new members starting from scratch not knowing how to pace or run smart to being great runners performing to the best of their abilities with the advice from the coaches and more experienced runners.
Who is your athletics idol/hero?
In the club my idol would have to be Flor O’Leary. An amazing runner and very humble man with a huge amount of national records picked up over the years. I remember him coming into the track nights training with us well into his 80s.
Internationally it would have to be Kipchoge he came from nothing raised by his single mother and a tough childhood to where he is now an inspiration to the world of running.
What is your favourite athletics event?
I’ve raced track 200s, 400s, 800s. I’ve done shotput, tried my hand at javelin and I love the relay races too which have great excitement, but my favourite is marathons and Road Championship Races. A close second is Cross Country, which is a brilliant team event.
What single club achievement are you most proud of for 2023?
My personal greatest achievement would be in 2022 Cork City Marathon when I achieved a PB of 3:28. In regards the club, 2023 was hugely successful in nearly every running discipline. It really has been a fantastic year for the club overall, so it’s too difficult to pick just one achievement.
What is your goal as Men’s Club Captain for 2024?
My goal as captain is to build on the success of previous years, and try maximise the amount of people in Championship Races. There is nothing like winning a team medal or individual medal for your club and county.
Who is your “one to watch” for 2024?
There are a few individuals like Darragh and Rodger who hadn’t much experience in any form of running when they started, but with help and guidance have become serious contenders in track events up against the best in the country. But my one to watch is Cian Kelly, who with a bit of guidance and coaching he will be another powerful addition to the club’s success.
Thanks Donal, and best of luck in your role as Men’s Captain for 2024.