Family has record race with help from Phil

The O'Donoghue family of 15 siblings yesterday trudged their way into the record books by finishing the marathon in under eight hours, which beat a previous record of 12 held by an American family

October 30 2007 06:51 AM

THE lyrics of a Phil Lynott song helped a family of 15 run into the world record books at the Dublin City Marathon.

The words to Thin Lizzy's 'Do anything you want to' blared over Robert O'Donoghue's MP3 player as he raced towards the finishing line.

It was the motivation he needed to become the second member of his family to make it to the end of the 26-mile race in aid of Down Syndrome Ireland.

His family of 15 siblings (above right) yesterday trudged their way into the record books by finishing the marathon in under eight hours, which beat a previous record of 12 held by an American family.

Cronan O'Donoghue was first over the finish line at Fitzwilliam Square in just over four hours but was closely followed by his brothers Robert and Noel.

Willie, Kieran, Theresa, Joe, Pat, Mary, Margaret, Adelaide, James, Brenda, Kevin and Louise all did their bit over the next three hours. And the O'Donoghue's world-beating feat, helped raise more than €40,000 for Down Syndrome Ireland.

The eight men and seven women, aged between 33 and 52, also entered the Guinness World Book of Records. The family,from Birr, Co Offaly, have been dedicated to the Down Syndrome charity ever since Joe's son Mark was born with the condition two years ago. Robert added: "Phil Lynott told me: 'You can do anything you want to do'.