Kilmallock AC 4-mile attracts bumper entry and top class action

KILMALLOCK AC 4-MILE

IF BOOKMAKERS were giving odds, there would have been no safer bet than Bilboa’s Declan Moore and so it transpired.

His time of 19:54 was enough to retain the Jim Hogan Perpetual Cup (presented by Jim’s sister Mary) and nearly two minutes clear of nearest challenger, West Limerick’s Karl Lenihan 21:32. Derek Kiely, of Limerick AC, took the ‘Bronze medal’ on 22:35.

In fourth place was Kevin Johnson and first M40 22:56, fifth Shane Ryan 23:01. There was a loud cheer for the first Kilmallock man home, John Paul McCarthy on 25:50 and 14th overall. First M50 was Gary Egan, of An Bru, in 23:50, Gerry Prendergast 27:03, An Bru.

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In the Women’s contest, Mallow’s Breda Gaffney was a comfortable winner in 23:55 with Bilboa’s Pamela Kirby second on 24:55. Susan Gannon, of Mullingar, made the trip from Westmeath worthwhile collecting the third placed prize on 25:08. Fourth was Sinead McDermott 26:39 and first F40, fifth Clare Coleman 26:52 F50 second Louise Matthews, F50 third Verena Tarpey.

The ever-popular Jerry Forde, of Blarney, won the wheelchair category. Freya Ryan, daughter of Kilmallock GP Dr. Sonya (who also ran in the event), was the first female juvenile, while Joe Reid, of Limerick AC, was the first Male Juvenile. There was a loud cheer when John Paul McCarthy was given the prize for first club runner to finish in a time of 25:50.

In tropical conditions 266 was a mighty turnout, thanks again to Kilmallock AC for being excellent hosts.

Munster Schools Track and Field 

This past weekend the Munster Schools Track and Field took place in the newly refurbished MTU arena.

There were many standout performances for Limerick athletes. Highlights included, Leagh Moloney, Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh, winning the Senior Girls Triple Jump and taking Silver in the Long Jump, which was won by Meabh Purtill, Mungret C.C.

Destiny Lawal, of Castletroy College, won the Intermediate Girls 100m and was second in the 200m. Eanna Ní Uigínn, Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh, and Meabh Purtill took second and third in the Senior Girls 200m respectively.

Jay Collins, Crescent College, claimed second in the Junior Boys 80m hurdles. Tadhg Purcell, Colaiste Chiaráin Croom, won the Intermediate boys 400m.

In the distance events, Darragh Whelan, of Castletroy College, was a comfortable winner in the Junior boys 1500m. Ella Grace Osborne, Laurel Hill Coláiste, claimed third in the Intermediate Girls 3000m. Alan McCutcheon, Crescent College, won silver in the Senior boys' Steeplechase.

In the field events, Lavr Malejevs, St Munchins, won the Minor boys Shot Put and took Silver in the Junior Boys discus.

Raymond O’Brien won the Junior boys Shot Put. Emer Purtill won the Intermediate Girls Javelin and Shot put setting Championship Records in both events. Full results can be found on Munster Schools Athletics Association Facebook page

Wicklow Way Trail Race

Dooneen’s Ben Emes took on Leg 4 of the Wicklow Way Relay, a team race covering over 125 km and 3,200m of elevation, organised by the Irish Mountain Running Association (IMRA). The eight-stage event attracts many of Ireland’s top runners.

Running for Running Coach Ireland, Ben completed his 9.5 km leg (with 330m elevation) in 42:05, overtaking Glendalough AC and moving the team into sixth. They ultimately finished fourth—an excellent result against top competition including East Cork AC, TT Racers, and Rathfarnham AC. Well done, Ben!

Ultra

Bilboa’s Kevin Broughton completed the Beara Way Ultra, a staggering distance of 103.77 miles in a time of 33 hours 47 minutes and 33 seconds. Well done Kevin!

An Bru’s Katarzyna Bobka was 1st lady in the Tralee 40 Mile Ultra Marathon in a time of 5:41:32

*Correction - The County Senior 400m was actually won by Dooneen’s Niamh Hynes, daughter of coach Fintan, in a PB time of 1:01.62 secs. Well done Niamh!

Fixtures

The Bilboa-hosted Ger Mullane Memorial 5K/10K run/walk takes place on Friday, June 13 in Cappamore, entries are now open on Eventmaster. The Bilboa summer athletics camp takes place August 5-8. Contact the club or enter through Eventbrite

The Inaugural Limerick Half Marathon takes place on Sunday, August 3, 9am at TUS, Old Cratloe Road. Part of the Run Limerick Series. Entries available via Eventmaster.

Training Tip: Easy pace means you should be able to talk without gasping—don’t let ego push the pace. Consistent, smart training beats pushing hard every day. - Joe Chawke