Colleagues pay tribute to tragic marathon runner [Irish Independent]
- Published: 03 March 2009
Source: Irish Independent
By Louise Hogan
Tuesday March 03 2009
SHOCKED colleagues of an Irish sports star who died while running the Barcelona Marathon for charity last night paid tribute to an "exceptional" and "inspirational" teacher.
The Co Offaly primary school where Colin Dunne (27) taught for several years is planning to mark his tragic death.
"Colin died as he lived, sharing his time and talents for the benefit of others," Damian White, principal of Killeigh National School, near Tullamore, said.
Mr Dunne, who was captain of the Shamrocks senior hurling and football squads in Rahan, had travelled out with a group of friends from the club to take part in the marathon to raise funds for the Offaly Hospice.
The club will be holding a special Mass tonight at 9pm in St Colman's Church in Mucklagh, near Tullamore.
His shocked club friends have described him as an "absolute brilliant sportsman", whom many of the younger players looked up to.
A post mortem was being carried out to establish the exact cause of his sudden collapse after completing around 21 miles of the race on Sunday. It was suspected Mr Dunne, from Roscore, near Tullamore, may have suffered a heart attack.
Both his mother Bernie and his only sister Ciara were understood to have made the trip to Barcelona on Saturday as a surprise visit. His father Tom has now travelled out to the Spanish city to help with arrangements.
Condolences
The accomplished GAA player became engaged around Valentine's Day to his girlfriend of around eight years, teacher Yvonne Kearney, from Tullamore, who was also in Barcelona.
Parish Priest Fr Seamus Dunican said Taoiseach Brian Cowen, also a member of the parish, had sent his condolences to the family. Fr Dunican said Mr Dunne was "highly respected" in the area and had died during a "charitable act".
Funeral arrangements have not yet been confirmed.
Mr White said all the teachers and staff at the school had supported and sponsored him and he had "went off in good cheer" on Friday.
"It is very hard to describe a colleague that was close, except to say he is an exceptional and inspirational teacher, a wonderful colleague, a dedicated member of staff, very popular with everybody, a keen sportsman, shared his time in a way that is nearly not common anymore. He gave so much time to the school, to sports, to music, everything," he added. He said he will be "sadly missed".
- Louise Hogan
