Limerick Athletics - Weekly News Update

123.ie National Novice and Juvenile Uneven Age Cross Country Championships

Taking place in Abbotstown, Limerick ACs Darragh Whelan, the U16 National Champion (running out of age), is now also the U15 Champion with an 18 second victory on a muddy 3500m terrain in the Boys contest at the 123.ie National Novice and Juvenile Uneven Age Cross Country Championships in Abbotstown.

Elsewhere Crea Moore, of Limerick AC, was 6th in the Girls U13 race in a time of 9:37. In the U19 Girls, Dooneen’s Aimee McMahon ran well to finish 47th in 24:08. In the fiercely contested Men’s Novice event, Killian Lynch, of West Limerick, was 49th.

The Border Half Marathon

Signifying the Border between Limerick and Clare it was in Corbally and Clonlara where in semi aquatic conditions the 7th edition of this tremendously popular event took place.

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The result was a commanding victory for John Kinsella of ‘Back to Boston’, who crossed the line in 1:09:16, having never been seriously challenged. Conor O’Brien, an ultra runner from St Finbarrs, in Cork, was second in 1:12:17, while Conor Reale, of Limerick AC, completed the podium in 1:18:26.

Eimear O’Leary, of Galway City Harriers, an Irish Masters international took the women’s crown in 1:25:30 while Michelle Ryan of Waterford ensured she couldn’t relax, coming second in 1:25:51. Eimear Hennessey, still fresh from the recent Dublin Marathon took the bronze medal in 1:27:08.

Other placings included - Owen Ryan a physiotherapist of high regard was 14th overall in 1:23:56 with J.P. Lawlor a native of Fedamore 17th in 1:24:58. Alex Kelly (Back to Boston) 48th 1:29:59, Aibhe McDaid 1:27:37, Aoife Noonan 1:38:12, Fionnula Keogh 1:53:24. Father and son Ger and Jack Downes, from Corbally, finished in 1:54:31 respectively.

Newmarket 5K

Hosted by Duhallow AC in North Cork, this flat and extremely fast event always attracts a large Limerick contingent. First Limerick man was An Bru’s Niall Shanahan 10th in 15:01, just 5 seconds off 5th place. Declan Guina was 21st in 15:40 with Niall O’Callaghan next in 15:48.

First year UL student Alan McCutcheon ran a blistering 16:16, with Karl Lenihan 16:20, Pamela Kirby 18:54, Clare Coleman 19:00 and Maria Maher 20:25.

Around the Country

Sorcha Nic Domhnaill, of West Limerick, won the Jingle Bells 5K in the Phoenix Park in a time of 16:10. She was followed by her mother Carmel in a time of 27:19 with Jackie Kingston 28:08.

Abroad

Four West Limerick AC members to Valencia last weekend and produced impressive times in the marathon. They included Mark Lenihan in 2.50.44 (PB) Frank O'Regan 2.54.25, Garry Carroll 2.56.32 (PB), and Carolyn Hayes 2.55.41. Well done to all!

Dooneen’s Nelson Nwakaihe ran the Premium Trust Bank Half Marathon in Garki Nigeria in a time of 1:37:27.

AGM

Phil Roche was elected Dooneen AC Chairperson, succeeding Joe Chawke with veteran Shot Putter John Sheehan vice-chair. Marie Keane is the new club secretary. After their AGM Limerick made a presentation to it’s original female members, recognising their pioneering role and that they paved the way for others.

Fixtures

The Athletics Limerick St Stephens Day 10K takes place at 12pm from Caherdavin Community Centre. Enter through Eventmaster or on the day.

The Michal Rejmer 10 Mile 2026 hosted by Dooneen AC takes place on Sunday, March 30 from Limerick Racecourse. Entry is €30 through Eventmaster. Bespoke Medal plus T-Shirts for first 250 entries.

Limerick Parkrun at the University of Limerick have announced additional dates on Christmas Day, December 25 and New Year's Day, 9:30am from the University of Limerick Boat Club.

The Tom Walsh Memorial 10K run and 5 Mile walk takes place on Sunday, January 11 in Caherconlish at 12pm. Entries are still available through Eventmaster.

The Run Limerick Series 2025 (consisting of 5k/10K/4 Mile and 10 Mile) is now open for entry through justrace.ie or Eventmaster.

Training Tip

Winter is a great time to add in some strength work to your running. Generally we have less racing and are pushed for daylight so it’s easier to retreat to the gym. Roping a friend into a focused fitness class such as HYROX/HIIT is a great way to improve full body strength while maintaining fitness and benefiting from new movements. Give it a go and you’ll notice the difference come summer racing – Dr Carolyn Hayes