A convicted drug dealer was back behind bars last night after getting temporary release over the weekend to run a 52-mile charity marathon.
Limerick-born Pat Scanlan (45) was granted a temporary 48-hour release on Friday to complete a double marathon from Ballybunion in Co Kerry to Limerick. He ran 52 miles in seven hours, 55 minutes and expects to raise over €100,000 for the Chernobyl Children's Project. Speaking in Limerick yesterday he said he wanted to thank Justice Minister Michael McDowell for allowing him to fulfil his marathon wishes.
"I reckon I'm the only person to have ever been granted temporary release for something like this and I would like to thank the Minister for Justice who showed compassion in his heart and allowed me to do this."
A former restaurateur, he was jailed for seven years in 2000 for possession of €1.3 million worth of cannabis.
"I left Limerick in shame five years ago and it was a wonderful feeling to run through my home village of Loughill on Saturday and get such a lovely welcome from people. I was so touched to see how people have forgiven me for the shame I brought to my community and to my family," he said.
Donations can still be made to "Pat's Gift" at the Bank of Ireland account no: 15305675, sort code 90-06-23.