The Tailteann Games, an Irish sporting festival in honour of the goddess Tailtiu, dates back to 1829 BCE, and is one of the earliest records of competitive running.
According to the Book of Invasions, Tailtiu was the daughter of the king of Spain and the wife of Eochaid mac Eirc, last Fir Bolg High King of Ireland, who named his capital after her (Telltown, between Navan and Kells).
Tailtiu |
The Annals of Ulster record that Cathal—usually taken to be Cathal mac Finguine, King of Munster—was first of all defeated by Domnall Midi and Clann Cholmáin Máir at Tailtiu, site of the main Uí Néill óenach, and then victorious against Fallomon and Clann Cholmáin Bicc at the Hill of Ward, site of the óenach of Tlachtga, second in importance only to that of Tailtiu.