Readers' Blog: Claire McCarthy is a sporting inspiration

Claire McCarthy is an inspiration to the sporting fraternity with her achievements this year.

Aged 41 with four children ranging in ages from 13 to two, Claire had an exceptional year highlighted by representing her country in the World Championships Marathon in London in August and despite picking up an injury during the race by stepping in a pothole, the athlete from Ballinhassig finished a very creditable 33rd from 92 starters in a time of 2 hours 38 minutes and 26 seconds.

On June 4 Claire won the Cork City Half Marathon and three weeks later the Leevale athlete ran 74 mins 34.5 seconds in winning the Swansea half marathon. What is remarkable is that Claire was a clear winner of both half marathons with only six male athletes finishing ahead of her in Cork and 12 male athletes finishing ahead of her in Swansea.