Athenry AC 10km handicap report.

It's a brave man who plans a Bar B Que in this country in this weather, but I figured it couldn't rain ALL the time, and so it was that the rains held off for long enough for our club Bar B Que to take place.

A BIG thank you to Derek Conerney who pulled out all the stops to produce a top quality Bar B Que, ably helped by his partner Mary and Patricia Monaghan of Tuam AC.

Andy Talbot, Paul McNamara, Gary Doherty and Josephine Gardiner donned the yellow jackets, and did a fine job. Also thanks to Paul Keane who couldn't make the night - at very short notice too - but who contributed in his own way to its success. Finally, thanks to Joyces 365 for providing us with the food consumed on that night and at a very good price too! Not forgetting St. Mary's GAA, Athenry for allowing us to use their facilities at Carnaun.

No prizes for 1st across the line tonight, but that didn't stop Brian O Connor and Seamus Gilhooley going hell for leather from the gun [or indeed whistle]. Brian's long break due to injury kept him fresh for a sprint to the line to hold off Seamus in a tight finish.

Mick Rice made a welcome return from injury, and despite 6 months of rest, still managed to run sub 40.

Long miles in preparation for the Dublin City Marathon have tuned Brendan Monaghan's internal clock, and he ran precisely 42:30 as he had predicted, and this was the night's winner.

Diarmuid Quill of Craughwell AC, and Elaine Walsh were a mere 4 seconds off their predictions.

Brian O'Connor's hard running paid off as he was the most accurate of the Athenry AC members, 19 seconds off his predicted time. Peadar Nugent's marathons meant he was only 20 seconds off his prediction, followed closely by Phillip Magnier and Maria Hehir.

Thanks again to everybody who took part, I hope you all had fun!

Full results attached.