John Daly

One of the leading early Irish distance runners, John Daly was successful on both sides of the Atlantic. In 1902 he won the Irish AAA the mile and 4 miles and soon afterwards won both events in the Ireland vs. Scotland match. He again won the Irish AAA mile in 1903 and at the Gaelic AAA Championships he won the 3 miles in 1902. In 1904 he finished second in the AAA steeplechase and the following month he was in St. Louis for the Olympics where he again finished second in the steeplechase, but he won the US title that year. Daly stayed on in America for two years but was attracted home by the 1906 Olympics. The Irish Field sponsored Peter O'Connor and Con Leahy but Daly had to pay his own fare and find his own accommodation in Athinai. He finished third in the 5 miles but was disqualified for obstructing Edward Dahl (SWE) in the final straight. In the marathon, he stayed with the leaders for 18 miles before blisters and an ankle injury forced him to retire. His blisters were so severe that he was hospitalized for three days. Back in North American for the 1907 season he enjoyed his greatest year, winning the US title at 5 miles and 10 miles and the Canadian title at 3 miles. Although selected for his third Olympics in 1908 he did not take part but in September he finished third in the American 5 miles championship. In the International Cross-Country race he finished third in 1903 and fourth in 1904 and 1906 and he led the Irish team home each time. In 1910 and 1911 he took part in some long distance road races in Ireland but eventually settled in America where he became a successful New York businessman.

Personal Bests: Mile – 4:27.8 (1902); 3 miles – 14:45.0 (1907); 4 miles – 19:42.6 (1902); 5 miles – 26:04.0 (1907); Mar – unknown.