A hero's welcome - Kilkenny turns out to honour Peter Lynch
Cathaoirleach's Reception for Kilkenny City Harriers athlete who broke the national marathon record in London
A county came out to pay tribute to a sporting hero as Peter Lynch was given a Catahoirleach’s Reception in the city.
The Kilkenny City Harriers athlete rewrote the record books when he ran a 2:06:08 at the 2026 London Marathon, recapturing the Irish national marathon record he had previously broken in 2025.
Lynch was the first European runner across the line, finishing ninth as he took one minute and 46 seconds off the previous best of 2:07:54 set by Fearghal Curtin in October of last year - a record he had set when beating Lynch’s time of 2:09:36 in Dusseldorf.
READ MORE: Lynch breaks national record again!
The Kilkennyman’s incredible triumph set the tone for a celebratory evening, with the county turning out to hail his athletic achievements.
“I was at the junction of 48th Street West and Times Square in New York in March to witness Peter break the hour mark in the half marathon,” Cllr Mary Hilda Cavanagh, Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, told the audience of friends, family and supporters who gathered in Set Theatre for the event. “To see an Irish athlete run 59:52 on the streets of New York was something I would never forget. Now, to see him once again rewrite the Irish marathon record in London is truly inspirational. This is an achievement that will live long in Irish athletics.
“Long before the avalanche of headlines, before the national records, there was a young lad aged 11 running cross-country because his grandfather Sean Lynch needed one more runner to make up a team,” Cllr Cavanagh added. “That simple request set in motion a journey none of us could have predicted. Peter had been playing hurling and soccer, like so many other youngsters, but when he arrived at St Kieran’s College and took on the lunchtime runs in the Castle Park something clicked - his athletics career had quietly begun. He joined the Harriers and trained under Noel and Niamh Richardson and Geraldine Nolan. Peter was not a standard bearer in those early years, but he supported his team mates, he enjoyed the sport and, more importantly, he kept showing up. That perseverance became the foundation of everything that followed.”
“This is only the beginning,” she said. “You have shown what humility and quiet determination can achieve. It gives me great pleasure to wish you every success for the years ahead - there is no doubt we will be hearing much more about you and your achievements in the coming years. Kilkenny will always be there to cheer you on.”
The sentiments were echoed by Brid Golden, President of Athletics Ireland, who praised Lynch for his record-breaking achievements.
“Peter’s London Marathon time didn’t happen overnight - it is the product of years of dedication, discipline and belief,” she said.
“He didn’t just break the Irish record - he took one minute and 46 seconds off the previous mark, a staggering margin at this level of the sport and it speaks to the scale of his achievement.
“No athlete reaches this level alone,” she added. “Peter’s success represents the unwavering support of his family, who have been with him every step of the way. It’s absolutely heartwarming and wonderful to see his grandparents in the front row - his grandfather Sean has been the backbone and the driving force for Kilkenny City Harriers for generations. I’m sure he’s the proudest person here tonight.”
The Harriers also came in for praise for providing Lynch with the platform for his success.
“Peter has deep roots here with the Harriers - it’s brilliant to see how much he loves representing his club and his county, something that will inspire everyone,” she said. “To his coaches, congratulations to you also - your influence and guidance is what set Peter on his journey. Your work is woven into every stride he took in London and everywhere he goes.
“Peter’s run wasn’t just a record - it was a statement,” she added. “It shows that Irish marathoners belong among the very best in the world. We have a fabulous history of world class distance runners in Ireland, and the next chapter of our distance running story is now being written by Peter. On behalf of Athletics Ireland, we wish you every success going forward and for the season ahead. Whenever you next put on the Irish singlet and put your toe to the start line, the entire country will be behind you and wishing you well.”