Parkrun takes centre stage with Olympian leading the charge

Former Olympic athlete David Gillick was a notable participant at the Parkrun in UL | SPORTSFILE

placeholder image — Former Olympic athlete David Gillick was a notable participant at the Parkrun in UL | SPORTSFILE

It was another busy week of Athletics action across the region

Around the Country

Dooneen’s Marcella McGrath was 2nd woman in the ‘Rhode’ 10K in Co. Offaly in a time of 43:30.

Ballydesmond 5k

Killian Lynch of West Limerick was 2nd overall finishing in the inaugural Ballydesmond 5K in Duhallow, north Cork in a time of 16.19, pipped to the win by Kane Collins of Donore Harriers.

Three other members WL also ran and times included Declan Lynch 25.04, Bridget Liston 26.15 and Gerard Hannon 26.53 .

Clare

In the Lahinch Half Marathon in the Banner County Dooneen’s Declan Kennedy was first Limerick man clocking 1:26:55 for 7th place overall.

Next was Darren Crowe of Limerick Country Club in 1:37:35. Other times included Elaine Lyons (West Limerick) 1:58:12, Padraic O’Reilly( Dooneen ) 1:52:44, Andrew White (Country Club) 1:55:44 and Patrick McElligott of West Limerick 1:57:10. Well done all.

Cross Country

The season kicked off last weekend and got off to a good start for Dooneen. Ella Grace Osbourne was second in the U18’s at the Castlegar XC Open held at Galway Racetrack. The competition was very enjoyable and well organised

Parkrun

Dooneen’s Niall Harrris was first finisher at UL in 18:34 with Dooneen clubmate Brian Ahern 2nd in 18:39. A notable 7th in 20:27 was twice European 400m Champion David Gillick who attended as part of the VHI Couch to Parkrun roadshow.

Declan Kennedy was 2nd at Mungret in a time of 19:26 on his 100th Parkrun. Enjoy the t-shirt Declan! Sinead McDermott was 1st woman in Mungret 21:45.

Cycling

Well done to all Limerick athletes, including Redmond Burke, Sinead McDermott and Sinead Walsh who took part in the Sean Kelly 3 Counties Cycle.

Birthday Greetings

Limerick County Board wishes Tony McMahon of Kilmallock AC (and formerly Croom) a very happy 68th birthday, ageing like wine Tony.

Fixtures

This weekend sees the Limerick Senior, Intermediate and Juvenile Even Age Cross Country Championships take place at Bilboa.

A famous Championship held every year since 1940. Last year Alan McCutcheon was Dooneen’s highest ever finisher in second. Can he go one better this year? Dooneen has never won the Senior Men’s Championship.

There would also be strong hope that Back 2 Boston can make an impact. The County Juvenile Uneven Age, U15, U17, Senior Mixed and Masters Mixed Relays take place on Sunday, November 8 from 10:30am at the Newcastle West Showgrounds, Juveniles first.

The Cook Medical Mini Marathon, now open to women and men, incorporating 5K and 10K distances, takes place on Sunday, October 4 at UL.

Enter through Eventmaster .The Na Piarsaigh GAA 5K and 10K Fun Run takes place on Sunday, October 11at 11pm. Entries also through Eventmaster. The Dublin Marathon takes place on Sunday, October 26 at 9am. Don’t forget the clocks go back.