Hugh Armstrong wins Irish national men's marathon title

Former Knockmore footballer Hugh Armstrong won the Irish men's marathon title in Dublin on Sunday. The Irish Examiner, the Irish Independent, and BreakingNews.ie all reported his national victory, while the Irish Independent added that Abay Alemu Lesa won the overall Dublin Marathon in a dramatic finish. [1][2][3][4]

The 32-year-old runner from Ballina A.C. finished eighth overall at the 2026 Irish Life Dublin Marathon to secure the national men's crown, according to the Irish Examiner. Armstrong previously won the national half marathon title two years ago. [1]

The Irish Examiner reported that Armstrong took inspiration from Mayo's first All-Ireland football success in 75 years, which occurred three months earlier when they lifted the Sam Maguire Cup. Armstrong said he had attended many losing finals in the past, making the county's victory a special milestone. [1]