Dublin trio top Men’s podium with strong performances at sold-out Fingal 10K

Fingal native Michael Brady (Raheny Shamrock A.C) cruised to a men’s title victory yesterday in 30:51 at the sold-out Irish Life Fingal 10K.

Cabinteely man Eamonn Flannery finished second in 32:26 while Brady’s clubmate David Rooney placed third in 33:01 to round off a strong showing for the Dublin Athletes.

The event brought together thousands of runners of all abilities for another sold-out edition of the Irish Life Fingal 10K, kick-starting the 2026 Irish Life Dublin Race Series under sunny Swords skies.

Brady, a 30-year old from Swords who only took up running during Covid, was delighted to knock four seconds off his personal best and improve on his third place finish from the 2025 Irish Life Fingal 10K.

“I only really got into running, like a lot of people, during Covid and kept at it. I used to wonder how people did it but I’ve discovered it’s just consistency really. You have to keep at it,” said Brady.

Brady, who plans to complete the rest of the Irish Life Dublin Race Series, was delighted with the result today.

“I’m very happy with that, my PB was 30:55 from here last year and this year the course was harder, I wasn’t expecting it. I’d done the Docklands 5K on Thursday and came second to Hugh Armstrong,” he added.

Equally delighted with his performance was second placed Flannery, as the 26-year old non-club runner spoke of being on the podium for the first time.

“I’m just delighted to make the podium. I’ve never made a podium like this before. I knew when I was second and that’s what kept me going. I was third initially and thought if I hang on to this I’ll be happy.”

David Rooney, a former Irish International currently training under Feidhlim Kelly at Dublin Track Club, completed the Dublin-dominated men’s podium in third place. David was part of Ireland’s U23 gold team medal at the 2010 European Cross-Country Championships and is a two-time 5000m bronze medallist at the Irish track championships.

“I’m 38 now so it’s great to be back at this level. For a couple of years I was in the wilderness, doing a bit of travelling, but Phelim has got me going in a good direction again. I will move to the half marathon this year and see how I go from there.”

The women’s race saw another clear winner in the shape of Wexford’s Ciara Wilson (DMP A.C).

The Dublin-based schoolteacher ran a strong 34:55 where she was then reunited with her eight-month-old daughter Danú, and her partner and coach Dan Roe.

Sarah Diamond (Kilcoole A.C) finished second in 36:22 while Carolyn Hayes (West Limerick A.C) placed third in 37:54.

With first-time participants, club athletes and recreational runners crossing the line today, the Irish Life Fingal 10K continues to be a fan-favourite, offering a positive race experience for those of all abilities.

After a thrilling start to the series, excitement will already be building for Saturday 15th August when thousands of runners will return to Phoenix Park for the Irish Life Frank Duffy 10 Mile. Following on from that, the iconic Irish Life Dublin Marathon will take place on Sunday 20th September, completing the series.

Results for  2026 Irish Life Fingal 10K

Men:

1. Michael Brady (Raheny Shamrock A.C) 30:51
2. Eamonn Flannery (Ballina A.C) 32:26
3. David Rooney (Raheny Shamrock A.C) 33:01

Women:

1. Ciara Wilson (DMP A.C) 34:55
2. Sarah Diamond (Kilcoole A.C) 36:22
3. Carolyn Hayes (West Limerick A.C) 37:54