A profound sense of grief is being felt in Offaly following the tragic death of a 27-year-old teacher while running in the Barcelona marathon.
Colin Dunne, from Roscore in Blueball near Tullamore, was a teacher in Killeigh National School, and had got engaged at Valentine's weekend.
His fiancé, Yvonne Kearney from Tullamore, was also in Barcelona for yesterday's 26.2-mile race.
Mr Dunne had travelled to Spain with three fellow-runners, all members of Shamrocks GAA Club, where he captained the senior hurling and football sides.
He suffered a heart attack just five miles from the finishing line.
Paramedics spent about 55 minutes trying to revive him, but he was dead on admission to the Hospital Clinica.
A popular sportsman, he had a Leinster medal with Offaly minor hurlers and was described by a friend as 'a character' who was involved in all aspects of his club's life.
The organisers of the race said in a statement: 'The young Irish runner aged 27 died from a cardiac problem at the 21.5-mile mark of the race.
'Medics from the Red Cross were on the scene and attempted to revive him but their efforts were in vain. Medics confirmed that his death was instantaneous. Our hearts go out to his family. We will help them in any way we can.'
Mr Dunne's mother Bernie and aunt Ciara are understood to have also travelled to attend the race, on a surprise visit.
An only son, he is also survived by his father, Tom.
