Man finished marathon while out of work sick

A former mayor of Newbridge finished a marathon “in a fairly fast time” at a time he was claiming a chest infection prevented him from returning to his job, according to Kildare County Council.

Damian Molyneaux — an independent member of Newbridge Town Council — had his employment as caretaker of Newbridge Library terminated in June 2011 after he failed to return to work following almost two years on sick leave.

However, in response to the council’s claims, Siptu organiser Paul Henry said Mr Molyneaux “walked” the marathon after having had a medical procedure to clear up the infection.