The club eventually got these two auld lads together in one place only last week (before the Newcastle leg of the Galway 5KM Series) to make the necessary presentations of mementos regarding their respective successes in the 2009 Dublin City Marathon. It also served to celebrate their elevation to presidential status within the Athenry AC (Senior) club!
 
Enclosed below are a few words penned by Martin about Peadar and below that the presidential citation that will be entered into the club’s 2010 AGM minutes.
 
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PEADAR’S PENANCE
 
Early in 1980 Peadar Nugent went to confession one Saturday evening. Whether the priest was rehearsing his weekend sermon about Judas and the thirty pieces of silver or Peadar had a long story to tell him, the outcome was that he had to complete the Dublin marathon thirty times for his penance.
 
Being the honest man that he is, Peadar set off doing it and only finished the last episode last October bank holiday Monday (2009). Knowing the man he'll probably do a few more for good measure though! Doing the last one didn’t come very easy for him as during the year Peadar had a few medical problems which resulted in having to make a couple of longish hospital visits. I do believe he put some custom in the way of “Paddy” who does most of the plaster work in there and had Peadar 'over the pit' as they say.
 
Although he wasn't able to put in the necessary preparation for the event, and was far from being fully fit, it wasn't to deter him from getting to the start line on race day. As a reward for his loyalty to the race over the years Peadar was allowed to start with the elite runners on the front line. Now as was the case in that parable about the Good Samaritan, most Athenry AC runners 'just passed him by' but one woman (who must remain nameless) probably thinking of the punch line in Rolf Harris's famous song Two Little Boys 'Do you think I would leave you...' stuck with him all the way. I do know evidence can be produced when they hit the finishing straight in real old style. Maire Treasa Beatty, well done my girl, take a bow.
 
That evidence is in a beautiful framed picture presented by MTB to Peadar at the club's AGM a few weeks ago and as well he was also made an honorary president. In order to avoid jealousy another man called Martin Keane who lives out the Galway road near Peadar also got the same award. Seriously folks, as one who only joined a few short years ago, and in that time has done sweet Fanny Adams for the club, thank you very much.
 
Peadar has a long way to go before getting the scrappage deal but he keeps himself fit by either running, walking, cycling or on the dance floor and judging by the constant smile on his face seems to be enjoying life better than ever nowadays, An dtuigeann tú!!!!! With the help of God, hopefully, we'll be all back in St. Stephen’s Green next October bank holiday Monday to do another bit of penance for our sinful way of living.
 
To our new chairperson Maeve Noone, all other officers and runners, not forgetting James Lundon who just about now seems to be getting over the last five minutes of the 1994 All-Ireland final, best of luck in 2010 and most important of all, whether you finish first or last, enjoy your chosen sport.
 
Martin Keane.
 
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Joint Presidents’ citation from the 2010 Athenry AC (Senior) AGM
 
Peadar Nugent and Martin Keane have shown over a prolonged period of time both personal and professional commitment to road running and, in latter years, to the Athenry AC (Senior) club.
 
Both have been running for many years now and are an example to all of us how to keep competing at the highest levels into their "mature" years.
 
It is with great pleasure that the committee of Athenry AC (Senior) now nominate Peadar and Martin as joint presidents of our club.  We hope that you can see it within yourself to accept this great honour and to continue representing the club with the grace, humility and joy that you have shown to date.
 
P.S. This honour also means that there will be no more membership fees for either of you!