Fionnuala McCormack’s incredible marathon run won serious respect for Team Ireland

A top-20 finish, a personal best, a mountain of praise.

It was a decent day's work for Ireland's Fionnuala McCormack in Rio who strode home in the women's marathon in a time of 2:31:22. Despite the difficult conditions, it was a PB for the Wicklow native who ended up finishing in 20th place, seven minutes off race winner Jemima Sumgong of Kenya (2:24:04). Lizzie Lee and Breege Connolly came in behind her in 57th and 76th respectively and, although there were no medals for their efforts, each of the Irish competitors did their country proud. And McCormack's showing won the respect and admiration that it deserved. A lifetime best for the 31-year-old. https://twitter.com/PFalFitAcademy/status/764865557405532161 All their performances even surpassed what everyone thought. https://twitter.com/crowesgalway/status/764860096157483008 And one legend recognised the feat. https://twitter.com/paulajradcliffe/status/764856181936492544 What a way to fly the flag. https://twitter.com/FairGameCast/status/764875441358434304 Everyone was proud. https://twitter.com/Val_Lowth/status/764867759700381696 https://twitter.com/irishathletics/status/764851923996532736 https://twitter.com/mseim_ob/status/764848846073655298 https://twitter.com/RunFlo/status/764846772082663425 https://twitter.com/cathy_mulhare/status/764841119993761792 https://twitter.com/SlothIQ/status/764841102675439618