PATSY MCGONAGLE, the Irish Athletics Team Manager, has spoken about a positive Olympic Games so far for Team Ireland.
The Ballybofey man, who is in his fifth Olympic Games, watched the three Irish women – Fionnuala McCormack, Lizzie Lee and Breege Connolly – finish well in the women’s marathon today.
Mark English reach the semi-finals of the men’s 800m and tonight Ciara Mageean goes in the women’s 1500m semi-final.
“It’s been a very positive experience so far,” McGonagle told Athletics Ireland.
“Hopefully that’ll continue through the week and there is no reason that it shouldn’t.
[adrotate group=”81″]“The team, as a group, are a great group and you’d have to be excited about them going forward.”
McCormack set a new person best time today, finishing in 2 hours, 31 minutes and 22 seconds, enough to see her place 20th.
Lee came home in 57th and Connolly came 76th.
Kinlough woman Connolly has strong family links to Donegal.
“It’s been the best running week of my life,” said Connolly.
“It was tough and I went to Monte Gordo (in Portugal) warm-weather training.“Nothing can prepare you properly for racing in the heat but I’m delighted with my run. It’s a relief after all the hard work.”
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