Limerick Athletics - Weekly News Update

RUN LIMERICK SERIES 5K

THERE was a 9am start as the second edition of the Run Limerick Series kicked off in Caheronlish on Sunday last.

There was a Limerick AC 1-2 with Natascha Kelly taking first place in 18:06 with clubmate Susan Murnane coming home second in 19:38.

Olivia Gurnett, of neighbouring Derg, was third in 19:46, while fifth was Noelle Aherne 20:01.

Chris Jeukens, of Derg, won the Men’s event in 14:53, David Meehan of Tulla took second in 15:17 with Niall O’Callaghan, of West Limerick AC, third in 16:35.

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In fifth spot was Mike Sheehy, West Limerick, in 17:05. Tom Carey, of Limerick Track, was home in 17:19, with his wife Rosie Ryan clocking 22:16.

Alex Kelly, of the Back to Boston Project, set a PB of 18:15 with clubmate running well in Daryl Moynihan 20:34. For An Brú
AC, Gerry Prendergast crossed the line in 20:06.

A total of 290 finishers would be regarded as a good outcome by the organisers for a series in only it’s second year.

NATIONAL COMBINED EVENTS

WELL done to Nessa Halpin Colclough of West Limerick who put in an amazing performance at the U14 National Pentathlon on Sunday.

Nessa finished seventh overall including a PB in hurdles, the shot and the 800m. Her strong performance earned her a bronze Munster medal. An amazing achievement!

Zara Coman, of Limerick AC, competed in girls U14 Pentathlon and took the  bronze medal. Clubmate Charlie Smith, of Limerick AC, was also third in the U14 boys Pentathlon.

ABROAD 

There was a 5th place finish for Dooneen’s Càitlìn Garvey at the English Nationals with a PB of over 20secs in the U15 1km walk. Well done Caitlin!

ATHLETICS IRELAND EMERGING TALENT PROGRAMME

Congratulations to Destiny Lawal and Emer Purtill on their acceptance into Athletics Ireland’s Emerging Talent Programme.

The Emerging Talent Programme supports athletes identified as having the potential to progress to medal success at major championships, offering access to elite coaching, training camps, strength and conditioning, alongside nutritional and educational guidance.

This outstanding achievement marks an exciting and well-deserved step forward in their athletics careers, as they now set their sights on qualifying for the European U18 Championships in Italy later this year.

Both Destiny and Emer have been members of Dooneen Athletics Club since the age of eight and are a product of the club’s highly successful juvenile athletics programme.

Emer Purtill and her sister Maebh were also part of the Limerick Celtics Basketball team which won the National U18 Basketball Cup final in Dublin last weekend. Emer scored 18 points in a 51-49 win over Gurranabraher Credit Union Brunell with Maebh captaining the side!

NATIONAL LEAGUE

EXCITING times lie ahead for Dooneen Athletics Club as they prepare to enter a women’s team in the Athletics Ireland National Indoor League for the first time in many years.

The squad is largely made up of teenage athletes, with the focus on providing valuable senior-level experience and building
steadily year on year. The team will be managed by Dave Crowley, with the first round taking place
in Abbotstown, Dublin on Saturday, January 24.

PARKRUN

Limerick Parkrun will celebrate its 10 th anniversary at the University of Limerick next Saturday. Come along to UL next Saturday for the run and enjoy tea or coffee afterwards in the boathouse. 9:30am start as always. Last Saturday John Whitaker, of Dooneen, was first in a time of 18:23, with J.P. Lawlor fourth in 19:18. Bilboa’s Pamela Kirby was first woman in 20:28.

MICHAL REJMER 10-MILE 2026 PROMOTION

If you’re looking for a race that means something in your season, the Dooneen 10 Mile Road Race on March 29 should be firmly on your calendar.

The 10-mile distance is a true classic — long enough to demand strength and discipline, short enough to reward smart pacing and fitness. It’s the perfect bridge between winter training and peak race season, making it ideal preparation for the Great Limerick Run, early summer road races, and even as a key stepping stone toward autumn marathon goals.

March fitness sets the tone for the months ahead — and there are few better ways to measure it than over 10 miles on race day. Dooneen on March 29 isn’t just a race; it’s a launch pad for your season.

FIXTURES

The Run Limerick Series 10K takes place in Castleconnell on Sunday, February 2 at 9am.