Congratulations to Boyle native John MacDermott from Sligo AC who has been named the Tribal Running Galway Athlete of the Month for August 2024.
John, who resides in Strandhill, Co. Sligo had a dream World Masters Championships in Gothenburg Sweden in August where he became World Masters Champion in 3 different events – 200m with World Record 36.06, 400m with European Record 71.08 and 80m Hurdles.
John who competes in the M80 category is the ideal role model for all Masters athletes and is meticulous in his training and preparation and a wealth of knowledge, which is evident in the fact that he has always been self coached.
John MacDermott is pictured receiving his award from Seán McDermott of Tribal Running at TUS indoor Arena recently.
There is a strong Roscommon connection with both men as John Mac is originally from Abbeytown in Boyle and Seán Mc’s father Seán Snr is from Knockarush in Boyle.
“I first met John at a World Masters Championships in Lyon, France in 2015, in a chance encounter on a train/metro where his insights into competing at Masters level left a lasting impression, his quote of, “it’s not about who is the fastest at masters level but who manages the decline the best”, is serious food for thought remarks Seán.
“As both myself and Ian Egan were privileged to be involved as Team Manager and Team Physical Therapist with the Irish team, we saw first hand how John’s performances inspired the rest of Team Ireland at the Championships. We were delighted to present him with the Galway Crystal award” said Seán Mc,
who is also delighted to be organising a Cross Country race in Boyle’s Lough Key Forest Park on January 26th.
This race – The Moylurg Open Cross Country – is part of the Galway and Roscommon GOAL Cross Country series.
According to Sean ”We have even applied for an athletics Ireland permit to help promote this event, which we run independently and insure independently, so hopefully that will come through and further help promote the sport in the west and in Boyle!”
