(Tuesday, November 17th, 2009)
Martin Fagan received a boost ahead of next month’s SPAR European Cross Country Championships as he was named the Crowne Plaza Athlete of the Month for October. The Mullingar Harriers athlete put in a stunning performance as he won the Boston half marathon during the month.

Fagan finished three seconds ahead of Kenyan Philemon Terer in a sprint finish with 100m left as he emphasised his medal credentials for the European Cross Country Championships in December.

This was Fagan’s second Athlete of the Month award for 2009. He took the award for January as he put in an impressive display winning the Austin Half Marathon where he missed breaking John Treacy’s long standing course record by just five seconds.

Despite some good form this year Fagan has been dogged by injury and in particular a troublesome Achilles problem but his performance in Boston has now lay to rest any injury fears ahead of the European event in Santry Park.

Liam Hennessy, Event Director for the SPAR European Cross Country Championships said: "This award for Martin is a great acknowledgment of his achievement in Boston and how he has gotten himself back on track after what has been an up and down year for him. He has shown he is a genuine world class athlete and now that he is over his injury problems we are all hoping he can lead the Irish team to a medal position in Santry next month."

Crowne Plaza Athlete of the Month
January - Martin Fagan
February – Mary Cullen
March – Derval O’Rourke and Mary Cullen
April – David McCarthy
May – Ciara Mageean
June – Paul Hession
July – David Gillick
August – Olive Loughnane
September – Off Season
October – Martin Fagan