Mayo native receives presidential congratulations for Irish Runner magazine

A letter of congratulations to Irish Runner founder Frank Greally from President Of Ireland Catherine Connolly, put the icing on the cake on a day of special celebration to mark the 45th anniversary of the magazine at St Helen's Hotel in Stillorgan on Thursday, August 6 last.

"It was a huge surprise and a privilege to receive this letter from President Catherine Connolly," said Ballyhaunis native Frank Greally, who founded Irish Runner in June of 1981.

"This was a wonderful warm message from President Connolly and it will be something for me and my family to long treasure."

The Irish Runner Celebration Lunch organised by Athletics Ireland and sponsored by 123.ie and adidas, included a video presentation produced by Frank's son Tomás and daughter Laura, with messages from long-time friends of the magazine, including Eamonn Coghlan, John Treacy, Sonia O'Sullivan and Frank O'Mara.

"It will be twenty years in 2027 since Athletics Ireland threw me a lifeline and took me on board with Irish Runner," Frank Greally said. "Those years have been special as the magazine continues to thrive.

"Working for Athletics Ireland has been deeply fulfilling, and I have brought a few extra things to the table too, including the Irish Runner Race Series, The Remembrance Run 5K Walk or Run event and The Daily Mile - the 15 minutes a day initiative for primary schools.

"Over the last three years Irish Runner has been published by Robert Heuston and his team at Select Media Ltd, on behalf of Athletics Ireland. Under Robert's direction, the magazine is constantly breaking new ground and attracting a wide readership.

"I always wanted to bring readers good writing and great photographs and I believe that is why to this day Irish Runner enjoys the loyalty and support of readers and advertisers.

"It is a pleasure to be able to continue to work now in a consultant editor and writing role with Rory Cassidy who is now editor of the magazine. We have a great team of writers and photographers and Irish Runner is in good hands.

"I want to thank Athletics Ireland CEO Hamish Adams and all my work colleagues at AI, for their support and friendship over the years. That has meant a whole lot to me. I also want to thank my family for being with me at every stride of the Irish Runner journey.

"It was wonderful to have family and friends gather for this 45th anniversary celebration of Irish Runner. To have my native county of Mayo win the Sam Maguire Cup in the year of my 75th birthday (they last won it the year I was born) and for the Mayo Captain, Jack Coyne, come from my home town of Ballyhaunis made this summer extra special.

"Just when I thought things could not possibly get better, on Thursday I was presented by Liam Moggan with the letter of congratulations from President Connolly. (I believe my son Tomás had a hand in that).

"I cannot think of anything that could top the letter that prompted tears of gratitude and joy for the life I have been blessed to live, continuing good health and the support of family and friends.

"I needed to pinch myself to be sure that I was not dreaming"