Report by Trevor McDaid, North Leitrim AC
(Results attached below)
The annual Dromahair 4 mile Road Race took place on Sunday, 19th September. As per usual, the traffic was diverted away from the Main Street of Dromahair to allow the children’s races take place first. Eight very exciting children’s races got proceedings underway and all participants received medals, with trophies for the first three in each category. Then at 3 O’clock as the rain closed in, over 130 competitors’ jostled for position at the start line. One of the race organisers, Danny Hannon, had a few quick words and then the field took off. Almost from the start a breakaway bunch of three pulled away from the rest of the pack; North Leitrim AC’s Liam Feely, Manorhamilton native Derek Croal (running in the vest of Bohermeen AC) and North Sligo AC man Thomas McBride. Indeed this was the way it would remain for the entire race with these three athletes finishing as stated. Feely broke the course record by 18 seconds, with a superb time of 20.54; Croal came in at 21.35 with McBride following up at 22.41.
Liam Feely is currently in a rich vein of form, having also won the inaugural Manorhamilton Half Marathon in his hometown the previous week, as well winning the Ballinamore 10K race a few weeks earlier. The future certainly looks bright for this talented young athlete and international selection will surely come for him should he continue to improve at the present rate.
Other strong runs came from Sligo AC athletes Seamus Somers (4th) Tom Meehan (5th) Neil Higgins (6th) Mel Casserly (7th) and Sligo Tri-Clubs Conal Sexton (8th), making the top of the field a competitive one. Sligo AC's Cindy McCarthy ran a fine race to take the women’s section in a time of 27.42 with fellow clubmate Roseanne Mitchell battling for second (28.06) and Ann Hunter in third place (28.08). North Sligo's Aishling van Rensburg also ran strongly finishing in 4th position (28.22).
Runners and walkers of all age groups and abilities took part in the race and one of the highlights was a runner of seventy nine years old running to complete the four miles, proving once again that age is no barrier in sport. Special mention should also be given to veteran Irish international runner Tom Meehan from Sligo AC, who running in the over 50 age group completed the challenging course in a time of 23.11.
The organisation, stewarding, selection of trophies, and post race refreshments were of the highest order, which is now the norm for this popular race on the local racing calendar. The organisers themselves thanked The Blue Devon pub for the use of the function room, the Dromahair Development Association for their support as well as all the stewards and others who helped out on the day. With proceeds going to the charity S.T.O.P it was a very worthwhile and enjoyable day for all.