Dawn runs: Paddy McLaughlin (Mooney) gets ready to take on the Dublin Marathon

Carndonagh man Paddy McLaughlin (Mooney), is preparing for one of the biggest challenges of his life - running the Dublin Marathon at the end of October in memory of his late father, while raising funds for the Irish Heart Foundation.
To support his efforts, Paddy is hosting a coffee morning on Sunday, 19 October, from 9.30am to 1.30pm at the Carndonagh GAA clubhouse in Foden.
The event, aptly titled ‘Coffee With a Cause’, aims to bring the community together over a cup of tea or coffee to raise funds and awareness for heart health - a cause that hits very close to home after he lost his father, also called Paddy, 11 years ago.
“My father passed away suddenly 11 years ago, on the 27 March, 2014,” Paddy recalls. “He was 79, going on 69, I always say. He had no health issues at all - he was a very fit man, always working on the farm. We were working that evening, and a minute later he was gone.
“Unfortunately, heart disease and heart attacks touch almost every family in the country.”
Paddy says he has always wanted to do something meaningful in his father’s memory, and the Dublin Marathon felt like the perfect way to combine his love of sport, fitness and community with a fundraising goal for a cause that matters deeply to him.
“I’ve been thinking about doing something for the Irish Heart Foundation for a long time,” he says, “and maybe helping someone else’s father, brother or family member by supporting this charity.”

Running Before Dawn
In preparation for the Dublin Marathon, Paddy has been following a demanding five-month training programme designed by local fireman and experienced marathon runner Sean McLaughlin. “Sean’s my coach, and I’ve followed his plan religiously,” Paddy explains. “Even when I was on holidays in the summer, I kept the miles up. The only run I missed was the Saturday after that storm - and I just did it on Sunday instead.”

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He’s now on the “cool down” phase before race day, having built up to running 40 miles a week, spread across five days. Mondays and Fridays are his rest days - though with cows to milk and work to do, there’s no such thing as a lazy morning.
“I get up around 5am most days and get an eight or nine-mile run in before coming home, milking the cows and heading off to work,” he says. “Saturdays are the long runs - I built up to 20 miles before tapering down this month.”
Paddy trains alone and has found that works best for him. “I’m a bit of an oddball,” he laughs. “I’m just doing it by myself. I’m out most mornings shortly after five, and that mightn’t suit everybody.
“Anyway, it’s just easier to run at my own pace, listen to a few podcasts and do it in a way and time that suits myself.”
Despite the early starts, he’s enjoying the training and says he has caught the running bug.
“I’m not the slimmest Jim in the world,” he jokes, “but I’ve got myself into decent shape by following Sean’s programme. I’ve kinda caught the bug for running now. It’s a bit like football - once you make the commitment, it just becomes natural. Hopefully, I stay clear of any injuries before the big day.”

Carn GAA in Junior Final
Paddy is a well known figure in a Carndonagh and far beyond. A lifelong member of the Carndonagh GAA Club, he played on the club’s 1997 Intermediate Football Championship-winning team and has coached at every level from underage to senior.
With the talk of the marathon done, Paddy turns to the big Junior A Championship final on Saturday when Carn take on Letterkenny Gaels in O’Donnell Park in Letterkenny.
Paddy says there’s a great buzz around town, with colours going up and with this being Carn’s third final in four years, he’s hoping that the third’s a charm for the 2025 crop.
“We have a good group of lads there,” he says. “We’re a bit like Naomh Columba last week - we’re at that stage where we need to win a final. I think it’s coming together for us though. Letterkenny Gaels will be a big challenge, but if our boys perform to the max, they’re good enough to win it.”
He adds that having county star Conor O’Donnell fully fit for the club campaign has given everyone a lift. “There’s a nice conveyor belt coming through the club - young players like Kalvin McLaughlin and others will make a difference next year.
“And with the Reserves in the Junior B final too, it’s a great time for Carn GAA.”

Coffee Morning
“Coffee With a Cause” will be held in the Carn GAA clubhouse at Foden will be a relaxed morning where locals can come together, enjoy home baking and coffee, and contribute to the Irish Heart Foundation through donations.
“All donations are greatly appreciated,” Paddy says. “It’s not just about the money - it’s about awareness. Heart disease affects so many families, and if this helps one person take better care of their heart, then it’s worth it.”

Coffee morning takes place on Sunday, 19 October from 9.30am - 1.30pm at Carndonagh GAA Clubhouse in Foden
Proceeds in aid of the Irish Heart Foundation.

Link: Paddy Mooney's online donation page