Skip to content

Santry 1958: 60 years on from the race of the century

Dan Carbery was 19 when he raced against Olympic champions in what turned out to be a record-breaking race in Santry.

The42.ie / YouTube

LAST MONTH MARKED the 60th anniversary of one of the most celebrated track races ever hosted in Ireland.

Just after the Empire Games (now known as the Commonwealth Games) took place in Cardiff, some of the world’s leading milers were brought to Santry by promoter Billy Morton to run in the new stadium that had just opened. 

Included in the field were the Olympic gold medalist Ronnie Delany and Empire Games gold medalist Herb Elliott. 

The race left such a lasting legacy because the winner on the night, the Australian Elliott, smashed the then world record, finishing the mile in 3:54.5. 

On top of that, it was the first time in history that the top five finishers all finished in under four minutes. 

Also running that day was a 19-year-old Dan Carbery from Carlow, who still remembers the race, and the thousands of people that came to watch it, clearly. 

Close
7 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Martin O Connell
    Favourite Martin O Connell
    Report
    Dec 6th 2021, 8:52 AM

    She would want to re-watch the fight. She was well beaten by Katie.

    112
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Charles Mander
    Favourite Charles Mander
    Report
    Dec 6th 2021, 9:13 AM

    Hope they cross paths one last time in the Pros and Katie sparks her clean, coz that’s a feasible outcome based on Ochigava’s last couple of outings #levels

    75
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

Leave a comment

 
cancel reply