SHAMROCK ROVERS MANAGER Stephen Bradley was among the participants at this year’s Dublin City marathon, taking on the monstrous run for a brilliant cause that is close to home.

Bradley was part of the first wave of runners today in aid of Oscar’s Kids Ireland, a childhood cancer charity that supports families. Running alongside his assistant, Glenn Cronin, the Rovers boss was competing for his son Josh who had been receiving cancer treatment over the last few years.

Josh was able to ring the bell to signal the successful end of his recovery in Crumlin’s Children Hospital earlier this year, while Cronin’s daughter, Aoife, was diagnosed with soft tissue sarcoma and had it successfully removed after early detection. 

Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley with the name of his son, Josh, on his arm. Andrew Conan / INPHO Andrew Conan / INPHO / INPHO

“When it got tough, we just kept thinking of them two and looking at the names and understanding the reason why we’re doing it,” Bradley said afterwards, explaining both names were written on their arms.

“The support was incredible. Honestly, this day is a special day. The people of Ireland that come out and support you, it’s special, it really is. It helps you get through and thanks to every one of them,” Bradley said.

And their day isn’t done yet. Bradley and Cronin will be heading north towards Portmarnock where a helicopter will be waiting to bring them to Derry City for a Premier Division clash at 3pm. A point will be enough to crown Shamrock Rovers as league champions.

“That’s the aim. Go to Derry now and we have a league to win.”

Bradley crossing the line today in honour of the support his son received is one of the many lovely images from the 2025 Dublin City marathon.

Congratulations to all who participated.

The start line. Bryan Keane / INPHO Bryan Keane / INPHO / INPHO

Leinster Rugby’s Leo the Lion celebrates at the finish line. Andrew Conan / INPHO Andrew Conan / INPHO / INPHO

Participants in the Dublin City Marathon. Andrew Conan / INPHO Andrew Conan / INPHO / INPHO

Bringing some colour to the day. Bryan Keane / INPHO Bryan Keane / INPHO / INPHO

Clocking up the miles Bryan Keane / INPHO Bryan Keane / INPHO / INPHO

Winner of the men's race, Daniel Mesfin. Bryan Keane / INPHO Bryan Keane / INPHO / INPHO

Ann-Marie McGlynn of Strabane AC [left] who was the second Irish woman to cross the line behind Ava Crean [right]. Bryan Keane / INPHO Bryan Keane / INPHO / INPHO

Supporters cheering on the runners during the race. Andrew Conan / INPHO Andrew Conan / INPHO / INPHO

Eebbissee Addunyaa as she crosses the line and win the women’s race. Bryan Keane / INPHO Bryan Keane / INPHO / INPHO

Written by Sinead Farrell and originally published on The 42 whose award-winning team produces original content that you won’t find anywhere else: on GAA, League of Ireland, women’s sport and boxing, as well as our game-changing rugby coverage, all with an Irish eye. Subscribe here.