Sean Connoly wins the 2011 Dublin Marathon

Sean Connolly won the national marathon incorporated in the Dublin race, finished well outside his target for a sub 2:15 Olympic A qualifying standard. Connolly won the Woodie’s DIY National title in 2:18.52 from defending champion, Sergiu Ciobanu of Clonliffe Harriers, 2:20.56 and Alan O’Shea, (Bantry A.C) was third in 2:23.22

It was a bittersweet day for Sean Connolly who had his sights set on achieving an Olympic A marathon qualifying standard. “It is great to win the national title but I knew as early as four miles today that things were not going well, “ Connolly said. “I had planned to get some pacing help up to half way, but even at four miles the pace was off and I my legs were feeling heavy” he said. “It was blustery and a bit humid too early on in the race and things never really flowed for me.”

Connolly will now set his sights on a Spring marathon as he has until April to get an A qualifying standard. “I will have a better idea by the Spring of how other Irish athletes like Martin Fagan and Alistair Cragg may have run,” Connolly said. “Mark Kenneally has already run inside the standard , so I will know what I have to beat,” he said.

Sean also thanked Emerald for the support he has received over the last six months and proudly wore the Emerald hat and t-shirt in his live interview on RTE Sport.