Limerick Athletics - Weekly News Update

Limerick Mini Marathon 5K/10K

THE weather gods smiled as the 25th edition of the Cook Medical Limerick Mini Marathon took place in bright and sunny, albeit still relatively cool, conditions last weekend.

There was a huge attendance, featuring many of the region’s best athlete and on lookers were treated to a competitive race.

Karl Fitzmaurice, of Shannon, eventually took top honours, home in 31:28, staving off competition from An Bru’s Niall Shanahan who was 40 seconds back.

READ NEXT: Newcastle West celebrate third successive Limerick senior camogie title with victory over Monaleen

Ibrahim Ahmed Samow, of Ennis Track, completed the podium positions in third. Dymphna Ryan, of Dundrum AC, returned to her native county to take the Women’s crown in 35:34, her second victory in the event after 2023.  Bilboa’s Pamela Kirby was second on 41:10.

The estimated 3,500 participants included a wide range of representation from the various Limerick clubs. Dooneen were ably represented by Sinead McDermott 45:19, Seamus McCarthy 38:32, Nelson Nwakaihe 41:40, Anthony Harty 42:01 and Tanya Cox.

West Limerick were represented amongst others by Niall O’Callghan 33:48 and also Gillian O'Regan, Pádraig O'Donnell, Kate Murray, Paul Crotty, Karol Downey, Eamonn Moran, Jonathan Scanlon, Orlaith McNulty, Nóra Keogh, Geoffrey Brighten, Barry O'Connor, Mary Liston and Mary Ita O'Connor.

Other times included the Kilmallock duo of Sam Hand 39:10 and Donie Dwane (41:50) Eilish and Helen Hennessey also ran for An Bru. Sanctuary Runners and the newly formed ‘Back to Boston’ – with coach John Kinsella on the
‘sidelines’ were also present

Around the Country

KILMALLOCK'S Sam Hand was third in the 30km Eco Trail Wicklow Race. Clubmate Tracy McCarthy completed the 47K event, her first ever Ultra event, well done Tracy both!

International

JOHN Kinsella was 105th overall and second Irish man from 280 participants in the World Mountain Running Championships in Canfranc- Pirinineo in the Spanish Pyrennese. This was the 45-year-old Limerick Man’s third Senior Irish vest – well done John.

Parkrun

LIMERICK Parkrun at UL was a victim of Storm Amy last weekend due to a fallen tree. Events in Munget and
Newcastle West went ahead.

Cross Country Memories

ROSEMARY Ryan says her favourite cross-country venue was Vilamoura in the Algarve, host of the World Cross Country Championships in March 2000. “It had a golf-course-style surface — like a track, but with sharp bends and rolling inclines and
declines, plus a steep short hill, almost like a big speed bump,” she recalls.

Ryan finished 20th in the 8k race and was the second scorer for the Irish team. “In the sunshine it was a great location,” she says. “I felt good enough to double up and came 28th in the 4k the next day.”

Her next favourite venue, she adds, is closer to home — Bilboa in Limerick. “It’s a mix of grass and a 500m grit trail with a hill leading up to the top field — a great training area here in Limerick.”

Training Tip

“EVERY athlete should include some form of power (explosive strength) training in their programme regardless of their event, age or level of fitness. Doing so helps to recruit more fast twitch muscle fibres, keeps your neuromuscular system fully activated and is one of the best markers of longevity. Typical examples include medicine ball throws, jumps and relatively light weights which are moved as quickly as possible for a short number of reps.” Mike Carmody

Fixtures

THE Munster Novice Cross Country Championships take place this Sunday, October 12 in Two-Mile-Borris, Co. Tipperary

Sunday, November 2, The Munster Senior, U23 & Juvenile Uneven Age Cross Country Championships take place in Cooraclare

The Limerick County Cross Country, Masters and Juvenile Uneven Age Cross Country Championships take place on Sunday,  November 9 in the Newcastle West Showgrounds, Men 6000m, Women 4000m.