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Adams State University Honors Track and Field Champions: The Irish Connection in Colorado's Athletic Excellence

September 16, 2023

On Friday the 8th of September 2023, Adams State University in Colorado, dedicated a new monument to all of the national champions in Track and Field and Cross Country that they have produced.

There are several Irish runners with their names recorded on there. Roisin and Eilish Flanagan twins from Gortin in Northern Ireland. Stephanie Cotter and Ava O'Connor. James Dunne from Tullamore. Apologies if any others have been omitted.

Coach Damon Martin can be seen speaking at the dedication. He was responsible for coaching the Flanagan twins to great success, unusually not only in the Collegiate system, but being sympathetic to their European aims, tailored their training so they would not burn out and could double peak, performing to a high standard when they were competing for Ireland and Northern Ireland. He still coaches the twins today.

My thanks to Richard Loosbrock Ph.D Professor of History at Adams State University for his help in producing this report and for providing the photos. He takes great interest in athletics at the university and the links with Ireland where he has visited.

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