European gold medallist's win celebrated in County Roscommon village
Mark English celebrates after winning gold in the 800 metres final. Mark's grandfather Pat hailed from Knockcroghery. Picture: INPHO/Morgan Treacy
The village of Knockcroghery has cause to celebrate after Mark English claimed an historic European gold medal last night.
Mark’s grandfather Pat English hailed from Knockcroghery and previously represented Roscommon and Connacht on the football field.
Pat came from Corbooley in Knockcroghery and won two senior county football medals with the great St. Patrick’s team in 1945 and ’46.
He subsequently moved to Donegal where he worked as a Garda.
Pat was part of the Donegal squad that became the first ever football team from the county to line out in Croke Park back in 1952. They lost out to Cork in the semi final of the National Football League by 3-3 to 0-7.
He helped Donegal win the Dr Lagan Cup for the first time in 1952 after defeating Armagh in a replay. This was the equivalent of the northern section of the National Football League.
Mark English became the first Irish man to win a European outdoor title in any event as he stormed to victory in the 800 metres final on what was an historic evening for Irish athletics.
