Castlederg man’s marathon effort for charity close to his heart

A Castlederg man will run the Dublin marathon next month to continue his father’s legacy and support a charity close to both their hearts.

There’s more than just miles behind Ciaran O’Loughlin’s running shoes—there’s a powerful legacy, deep community roots, and an unwavering commitment to helping others.

This October, Ciaran will take on the 2025 Dublin Marathon, marking his 13th consecutive race—a continuation of a proud family tradition started by his father, Pat O’Loughlin, who ran an astonishing 40 Dublin marathons before hanging up his shoes in his 80s.

The family’s motivation has always been more than personal achievement. Together, they’ve raised tens of thousands of pounds for the MS Society, funding essential services and ground-breaking research aimed at stopping multiple sclerosis for good.

Ciaran said: “I’m immensely proud of my dad’s incredible achievements. Not only did he complete 40 marathons, but he did so while raising thousands for people living with MS. He, along with our friend John Doherty, have been real inspirations to me. I’m honoured to carry that torch forward.”

Ciaran’s dedication is deeply personal.

“Many people in Castlederg, including some of my close friends, are living with MS. My dad and I are determined to support them. We hope the money raised can go towards essential care—and one day, a cure.

“Thinking about my dad and all that he has achieved right into his eighties pushes me through the harder miles. I know he misses running, but now he gets to live it through me. When it hurts, I think: if he could do it for all those years, so can I.”

Having completed his 12th Dublin marathon last October, Ciaran shows no signs of slowing down—as he prepares to take on the 2025 race, continuing the family’s legacy and mission.

Elaine Brownlee, from the MS Society’s fundraising team, praised the O’Loughlins’ enduring impact: “What Ciaran is undertaking is truly remarkable.

“Together with his father and friend John Doherty, the O’Loughlin family have raised thousands of pounds for people affected by MS. We are so grateful for their years of dedication and fundraising.”

“His efforts are helping fund vital research into stopping MS, and his story raises awareness about the condition and the support available to those affected.”

In 2024 alone, Ciaran raised over £3,200 contributing directly to the MS Society’s mission to stopping MS by funding world renowned research.

If you would like to support Ciaran, you can donate through his online giving page.