Tipperary legend to be remembered with a walk of the Upperchurch hills in her honour

To break down barriers and offer a glimpse of a better world was something that came naturally to the late Maura Armstrong.

Born in 1925 in the parish of Upperchurch - Drombane, County Tipperary, Maura made running marathons into ones nineties 'cool'. What set her apart was how she had a remarkable gentle easy way with the world around her and the people in it.

All through her latter years proved that age is merely a number. As she approached 70, she took on her first Mini-Marathon along with her daughter Martina.

That was the start of the next chapter of a wonderful life journey. Over the next three decades Maura participated in the annual Women’s Mini Marathon multiple times and became an ambassador for it.

She became an inspiration for many, insisting that it’s never too late to pursue health and happiness. Maura kept putting one foot in front of the other in races across the country right into her nineties and up until her passing in 2025.

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Sonia O'Sullivan, the famed Irish Olympian and broadcaster, became close friends with Maura over the decades as they had much in common. The would often phone each other to share insights even though Sonia might be in another time zone on another continent.

The President of Ireland invited Maura to his home in the Phoenix Park where the Tipperary sportsperson presented Sabina, the Presidents wife, with a scarf she had knitted herself.

TV appearances, newspaper articles and national radio interviews all became par for the course. Maura was included in the Hidden Hearing Heroes Awards, which includes an “age is no barrier” category.

As a Mini-Marathon ambassador she raised money for cancer research and the Irish Cancer Society after losing two brothers through illness.

Maura was hugely popular and her story resonated with so many as she became well-known. The widowed pensioner said she took up running as it was 'something to do' yet her energy changed the lives of many for the better.

Healthy all her life, she had worked on the farm from a young age and was always active and outdoors in the airy hills around Knockalough. Her diet was of the land, with milk, meat and vegetables all local produce. Organic food was always on the menu when Maura was a child back in the 1920's.

Born over one hundred years ago, Maura learned quickly how to take life in her stride. She never embarked on a particular fitness regime or diet but spent many hours in fresh air on the family farm.

In her later years in particular she embraced organised health and fitness along with her daughter Martina. Four years after getting free travel, she climbed Croagh Patrick when her health remained as strong as ever.

Maura was part of the Upperchurch Drombane Parish Council series of interviews recorded in 2021 and 2022.

During the interviews she said: “I’m very fit and healthy, and I like to walk and pray every day.”

Pains, aches and tablets were few. Her daily routine back then included strolling along her neighbourhood and nearby townlands while giving thanks and saying her prayers - a practice that not only kept her physically active but also, she felt, nourished her spirit. Mass was important to her, family too.

She loved attending Tea Dances too in Drombane Hall along with her daughter, Martina Heffernan. She celebrated life and lived an active life. Maura didn't smoke or drink, and she took aloe vera regularly which she found hugely beneficial.

Community wise, her contribution was huge. “Her participation was superb during so many fund-raising activities,” says Fr Tony Ryan, the Parish Priest in Upperchurch.

“She always had a lovely friendly personality.

“Her contribution to the community was always immense and she had such great energy to take part in mini-marathons, runs, walks and other activities down through the years.

“Maura was a regular to Knock for many years and she had great devotion to Our Lady and a deep faith,” he said.

Maura Armstrong passed away in the spring of 2025 and is survived by Marion, Martina, Dennis, John, Seamus, Michael, and PJ and is always remembered by her many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

To mark her passing next Sunday - the 22nd February - from 12.30, her family are organising a sponsored walk with all funds raised going towards the renovation of Sacred Heart Church, Upperchurch.

All are welcome to Upperchurch on Sunday to celebrate a remarkable legacy and a glimpse into Maura's world with her family and friends. For any queries relating to the event contact the Parish Council.