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.
Well done to Fionnuala McCormack on her brilliant 20th place in the Olympic Marathon. Proof that training, patience & pacing pays off.
— Paul Fallon (@PFalFitAcademy) August 14, 2016
All their performances even surpassed what everyone thought.
A marathon achievement #FionnualaMcCormack (20), #LizzieLee (57) & #BreegeConnolly (76) Incredible!
@olympiccouncil #IRL #Athletics #Rio2016— Crowe's Bar (@crowesgalway) August 14, 2016
And one legend recognised the feat.
Huge congrats to @ShalaneFlanagan @des_linden @HastyHastings. Great racing from US girls and from Fionnuala McCormack. Tough race out there.
— Paula Radcliffe (@paulajradcliffe) August 14, 2016
What a way to fly the flag.
Everyone was proud.
Very proud little village here in #Kilcoole today. Wonderful effort by #FionnualaMcCormack in the #OlympicMarathon Good on ya girl x💚x
— Valerie 🇮🇪 (@Piranhafish70) August 14, 2016
'I think it's my best Olympics yet.' Fionnuala McCormack pic.twitter.com/WHOeBGZNT7
— Athletics Ireland (@irishathletics) August 14, 2016
Congrats to Fionnuala McCormack #marathon Top 20 is amazing. #TeamIreland
— Eimear O' Brien (@mseim_ob) August 14, 2016
Well done Fionnuala McCormack, @LizzieLeevale and Breege Connolly, #rio2016 #TeamIreland #COYGIG
— Florence Curley (@RunFlo) August 14, 2016
Well done Fionnuala McCormack top 20th and a PB #Rio2016 #marathon #TeamIreland 🍀
— cathy mulhare (@cathy_mulhare) August 14, 2016
