On a day when the town of Tullamore came together to remember the late Ashling Murphy, the sun shone and the atletics community of Offaly and beyond put on a flawless 4 mile road race around the midlands town. Organised by Offaly Athletics, the Ashling Murphy 4 mile road race has become a permanent fixture on the calendar, and runners travelled from all over the country to walk, jog and run as well as to remember Ashling.
Results: https://www.popupraces.ie/race/ashling-murphy-4-mile-road-race-2025/
Photos: https://www.facebook.com/media/set?vanity=SweatySnaps&set=a.701683722378036
The race report below cortesy of Offaly Athletics captures the day better than we ever could!
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What a morning in Tullamore on Sunday the 11th of May, -the 2025 Ashling Murphy 4 Mile was nothing short of a triumph. From early dawn, the town was alive with energy as runners, walkers, supporters, and volunteers gathered to honour the memory and legacy of Ashling Murphy. Organised by Offaly Athletics, this race also served as the Offaly 4 Mile Road Championships, was Round 1 of the Offaly Endurance Series, and Round 3 of the Peugeot Series. Centra generously supported the race again this year.
Starting and finishing in the heart of Tullamore, the course drew a large and enthusiastic crowd. With the fine weather, the atmosphere was electric and enjoyed by athletes and supporters alike.
A total of 772 participants crossed the finish line under glorious sunshine -666 runners and 106 walkers took part in what has become a much-loved event on the Offaly Athletics calendar.
In the men’s race, Sean Tobin of Clonmel AC claimed victory, followed by Éanna O’Brádaigh of DSD AC in second, and local favourite Kevin Minnock of Tullamore Harriers AC in third.
The women’s race was won by Hannah Steed of Leevale AC, with Sarah Flanagan of Tullamore Harriers taking second, and Orlaith Flanagan of Mullingar Harriers AC placing third.
John Cronin, former President of Athletics Ireland, officially welcomed all to the fourth running of this special event.
Ashling’s parents, Ray and Kathleen Murphy, were present at the start line. Kathleen joined family and friends in walking the 4-mile route, while Ray led out the runners on his motorbike, joined by fellow members of Camcor Riders, who also assisted with marshalling duties along the course. Ashling’s sister Amy presented Hannah with the Ashling Murphy Perpetual Trophy.
Volunteers were out in force all along the route, providing support, encouragement, and ensuring the safety of all participants. On behalf of Offaly Athletics and the Ashling Murphy Foundation, we extend our sincere thanks to everyone who gave their time to make this event such a success. Many thanks to those who were in O’Connor Square from early morning setting up for the day ahead.
Special thanks to the Ballyboy Comhaltas, whose performances along the route lifted the spirits of everyone passing by.
We are also deeply grateful to:
• Offaly County Council for their support with road closures. We are deeply grateful for the permission and assistance from the staff both at administration and the staff who helped set up the course barriers.
• An Garda Síochána Laois/Offaly for their strong presence and assistance.
• Seamus Walsh for barriers and Donal Rigney for the portaloos.
• Offaly Civil Defence for ensuring participant safety with no incidents reported
• The staff of Bank of Ireland, for their help both today and in the lead-up to the race. We had tremendous help from Claire Wynne, Olive Geraghty, Orla Spollen, Valerie Whittle, William Minnock, Ellen Maree Clavin, Elaine Heffernan, Maeve Jeffery and Leonard Mooney.
• Barry Minnock and Centra, for their generous sponsorship -every finisher received a fantastic goody bag.
• Noel McCann and staff from the Bridge House for complimentary refreshments for our volunteers after the race.
• John Cusack, Bridge Shopping Centre for the use of the bathrooms and parking for our competitors.
• The Tullamore Camera Club for the thousands of wonderful photos taken throughout the morning.
• The local newspapers for the coverage and support leading up to the race.
• Anto from Pop Up Races for his expertise this morning.
Finally, thank you to the many supporting athletic clubs. We wish you all the best in the remaining races of the Offaly Endurance and 5K Series over the summer months.
