Donegal County Council was proud to host a Civic Reception honoring Caitriona Jennings, the renowned Olympian whose latest achievement has made sporting history and inspired the entire county. Please click Prev/Next to go through the gallery
The ceremony welcomed distinguished guests, local officials, and the Jennings family to celebrate Caitriona’s extraordinary journey, from Olympic competition to breaking the women’s world record at an internationally prestigious ultramarathon.
On 9 November 2025, Caitriona Jennings achieved what many considered impossible: at the Tunnel Hill 100 Mile race in Vienna, Illinois, she covered the grueling distance of 100 miles in an astonishing 12 hours, 37 minutes, and 4 seconds. Running in the colours of her proud local club, Letterkenny Athletic Club, she set a new women’s world record for the 100-mile distance, a feat that will stand as a benchmark for endurance athletes worldwide and that will inspire generations of runners for years to come.
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The celebration highlighted not only Caitriona’s exceptional endurance and ability but also her unwavering determination, heart, and the spirit of Donegal. Her Olympic journey had already captured local hearts, but her record-breaking performance elevated her to global acclaim.
Cathaoirleach Cllr. Paul Canning remarked: “Caitriona, your commitment to excellence, your world record achievement, and your representation of Ireland at the Olympics serve as beacons of inspiration—especially for the young people of Donegal. We honour you today not just for your victories, but for the enduring example you set for future generations.”
Chief Executive of Donegal County Council, John G McLaughlin, added: “As Chief Executive of Donegal County Council, it is a privilege to stand before you to mark a truly special occasion recognising an athlete whose achievements have set new standards for sporting excellence in our county and far beyond. On behalf of the Council, I extend our warmest congratulations and deepest thanks, Caitriona, for your invaluable contribution to sport, community, and county. May this well-deserved honour be one of many as you continue to make history.”
Minister of State at the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, Charlie McConalogue said: “It takes a village to raise an athlete, and Caitriona Jennings is a shining example of what can be achieved through talent, dedication, and the support of a strong community. She has done her county proud with this phenomenal achievement and continues to represent Donegal so well on both the national and international stage. Her success is a source of immense pride not only for her family and local club, but for the entire county and country.”
The event was attended by Caitriona’s dedicated parents, Mick and Teresa, and her sister Deirdre, while reference was also made to her sister Sinead, herself a former Olympian, who was unable to attend. The Jennings family’s remarkable legacy of sporting achievement was warmly acknowledged, and it was noted as a rare occasion in Donegal’s rich sporting history to celebrate two Olympians from the same family.
Donegal County Council extends its heartfelt congratulations and wishes Caitriona Jennings continued success as she blazes new trails in sport and in life. Caitriona said she was honoured to receive the award and attributed her success to her family upbringing and the unwavering support of her family and husband. Her values of resilience, ambition, and generosity of spirit are celebrated not only for the records she has broken, but for the inspiration she brings to her community.
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