My only clue led me to believe that the park bench in question was situated east of Marlay House and nestled amongst a small group of trees near the Grange Road entrance. It should then be easily distinguished by the recently added inscription – Jerry Kiernan.
I started my search earlier this week. It immediately brought to mind a scene from the film ‘In the Name of the Father’ where Gareth Peirce (masterfully portrayed by Emma Thompson), Gerry Conlon’s lawyer, searches London park benches amongst courting couples looking for an old inscription made by the character Charlie Burke, the only alibi for Conlon after being wrongly accused of the Guildford pub bombings in October 1974 – an event that occurred 50 years ago this month.
The exact piece of evidence that was labelled “not to be shown to the defence” during Conlon’s trial.
The inscription honouring Kiernan soon unveiled itself, proudly lit by the radiant autumn sun. It was presented on a small, golden plaque at the top of the park bench:
Remembering the lasting impact of Jerry Kiernan on the Dublin Marathon
Hugh Armstrong participates in Dublin Marathon in strong form
Sonia O’Sullivan: A local triumph would mean more to the Dublin Marathon than breaking records
The world’s strongest man and British shot putter, Geoff Capes, passes away at 75
In remembrance of Jerry Kiernan, 31 May 1953 – 21 January 2021
Whether or not this gesture was intentionally planned in the lead-up to Sunday’s Dublin Marathon remains uncertain. However, it makes for a relevant and respectful homage, given the lasting impression and significance Kiernan continues to hold over the event. Barring Noel Carroll, the co-founder of the Dublin Marathon, Kiernan is the athlete I most associate with the event that takes place every October bank holiday.
Later it was mentioned to me that this part of south county Dublin wasn’t typically associated with Kiernan, not like Belfield or Leopardstown Racecourse. In fact, one of Kiernan’s most treasured routes, from his own competitive years and later when mentoring his young trainees, was the gruellingly steep ascent of Kilmashogue Lane, located beyond the upper entrance to Marlay Park off College Road.
Reflecting on the 42 history-laden chapters of the Dublin Marathon, it’s hard to forget Kiernan’s fierce first marathon performance in 1982. At 29 years old, Kiernan, who had been a spectator to the inaugural race of 1980 claimed by Dick Hooper, and the succeeding 1981 race won by Neil Cusack, felt compelled to compete, as he was frequently victorious against the two on different occasions.
Echoing this confidence, Kiernan was on track for a world record near the 15-mile mark, with the company of his Clonliffe Harriers peer, David Taylor, who served as an informal pacesetter. Despite halting to walk thrice prior to crossing the Merrion Square finish line, Kiernan triumphed with a 2:13:47 record, a time that remained unbeaten until 2004.
In 1992, Kiernan bagged another Dublin Marathon victory. The lessons learned from his maiden race played a key role in his 1984 Olympics marathon run in LA, where a strategic approach saw him claim ninth place, clocking his all-time best of 2:12:20.
A few years ago, in the picturesque village of Annagassan, Co Louth, where River Glyde meets the Irish Sea, a commemorative bench was inaugurated in honour of Carroll, located right across his birth house and overlooking the charming harbour. Inscribed on it is one of Carroll’s memorable running quotes, “There’s a time to train and a time to rest; it is a true test of the runner to get them both right” – words that resonate with every runner.
Carroll, being a co-founder of the inaugural Dublin Marathon in 1980, also ran the marathon despite its considerable contrast to his favoured 800m distance” The distance isn’t what kills, it’s the pace,” he would later say about the marathon – wisdom that perfectly resonates till today.
Carroll’s abrupt demise 16 years ago while he was in the middle of his usual lunchtime run around UCD remains shockingly difficult to comprehend. Despite being the epitome of good health and physical fitness aged just 56, it is a sorrowful irony that Carroll suffered a suspected heart attack doing his lifelong passion.
His accomplishments were symptomatic of a dedication to long-distance running, and he abided unwaveringly by his primary and consistent belief: “It’s as simple as whether you ran today or not.” In appreciation of Carroll, his memorial bench at Annagassan could bear any of his numerous meaningful running quotations, such as: “Run today?” “You’re too busy if you can’t find time to run,” and the timeless classic, “There’s no bad weather, only weak runners.”
When Murt Coleman, Kiernan’s long-standing companion, training mate and running confederate, started considering the creation of the Jerry Kiernan Foundation after Kiernan’s demise following a brief sickness in January 2021, aged 67, his motive was dual-purpose. His aim was not only to provide some monetary support for young athletes who would otherwise struggle to get any, but also to continue Kiernan’s generous spirit and legacy in a tangible, meaningful way.
Coleman also recognised that even modest financial help could make a significant difference. The headmaster of Kiernan’s alma mater, St Brigid’s in Foxrock, gave a small donation in 1984 towards Kiernan’s Olympic preparations without any prompting. This enabled Kiernan to travel to Los Angeles far ahead of time and acclimatise himself thoroughly before the games.
Hugh Armstrong, the 30-year-old favourite for the national marathon title from Mayo, detailed, ahead of Sunday’s Dublin Marathon, the challenges faced by full-time marathon runners (with his best time being 2:12:26) also having full-time jobs (such as Armstrong, who has worked as an accountant with An Post since 2022) without any sponsorship.
Armstrong expressed his desire to dedicate himself wholly to his training, if his financial situation would allow it, or even to take a brief hiatus devoted entirely to sharpening his skills. He also emphasised the gratitude he had for the minor financial help provided by the Jerry Kiernan Foundation, a support that was closely cherished by Kiernan himself.