Silver medal for Nenagh Masters athlete

Age is no barrier for Nenagh athlete Tommy Maguire, who recently celebrated a silver medal at the National Masters Indoor Championships in Athlone recently.

Age 76, Tommy is in flying form on the track, winning the 60m Munster Masters race in his hometown last February in a very impressive time of 10.3 seconds. He followed that up with participation in the national Masters in March, crossing the line just behind the winner in a time of 10.86.

The Nenagh Olympic club athlete was running against eight contenders at each event.

A keen athlete all his life – who also played rugby with Nenagh Ormond – Tommy previously competed in 200m, 100m and long jump events, winning several national medals along the way. He was always a strong starter and has, in latter years, found his niche within the 60m distance.

Tommy began running with Tony Hassett in the days before the indoor track was built in Nenagh. They used to meet at the old showgrounds on the Borrisokane Road – where the annual North Tipp Agricultural Show is held – and train there. Tony still coaches his friend now with a training programme that involves 160m track sprints and hill running in the CBS grounds. Tommy, who served with the Defence Forces, also trains in the gym, focusing mainly on squats and leg strengthening routines.

He was in many ways inspired to take to the track again by his brother George, who sadly passed away in the UK recently. George was also an accomplished athlete in his day with medals to his credit from javelin, long jump and 400m events.

Tommy is fully focused on defending his Munster title next year and making another attempt at national gold. Before that, he will compete in outdoor athletics with county and provincial championships coming up later this year.