Cork man Alex O'Shea, who broke the world record for running the fastest marathon dressed in a firefighter's suit, has broken another record today after completing 32 marathons in 32 counties in 16 days.
Mr O'Shea, a firefighter in Cork city and who lives in Ballineen in west Cork, ran two marathons per day to raise funds for the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind charity, which is based in Cork city.
He was supported by Tralee-based Garda Ollie O'Sullivan, who ran 50km per day with Mr O'Shea as part of his own challenge.
Having crossed the finish line, Mr O’Shea said he knew the challenge could be achieved, and that he and Mr O’Sullivan always remained positive throughout.
"When I took on this challenge I knew it could be achieved but it would be very difficult," he said.
He added: "The smallest injury could derail the attempt but thankfully with Ollie's help we always remained positive and ahead of any problems.
"We prepared for a tough physical event and never realised the support, friendships and emotional journey we would go on. We have had people run the longest distance ever with us.
"We had a man that only ran two marathons in his life and this week ran two with me."
Mr O’Shea said the duo were privileged to undertake the journey.
He said: "We have been trusted with stories of loved ones lost to illness and personal connections to the Irish Guide Dogs. We have been very privileged to undertake this journey and will never forget the kindness of others.
Chairman of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind Patrick Burke said they were grateful for Alex for his "phenomenal achievement".
"Through Alex's mental and physical strength, he has helped raise much needed funds to help us change lives and shared our story with many people across the country," he said.
Running 32 marathons in 32 counties in 16 days has never been done before.
In 2010, Gerry Duffy and Ken Whitelaw ran 32 marathons in 32 counties in 32 days.
Mr O'Shea completed his first marathon only four years ago and became a Guinness World Record holder in the process.
He ran the Cork City Marathon in a time of 3:41:10 - the fastest ever marathon run by a competitor dressed in a firefighter's suit.
Since then the father of four has competed for Ireland at 100km in the World Championships in Spain in 2016, and he won silver medals in the 50km and 24-hour national championship events in 2017.
Mr O'Shea ran his 31st marathon of the challenge overnight in Co Waterford.
At 2pm he began his 32nd marathon from Anglesea Street Fire Station in Cork, where he is based.
Coincidentally, Mr O'Sullivan also worked out of Anglesea Street for many years as a garda based at the garda regional headquarters in Cork.
From Anglesea Street, Mr O'Shea and Mr O'Sullivan ran to the Regional Park in Ballincollig, completing laps of the park before running 4km to the finish line this evening at the headquarters of the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind on Model Farm Road.
