Spectators Take in All the Hollymount Action
Full Results Attached Now
The Hollymount International Road Races took place today in cool autumn sunshine and a brisk breeze. There was the usual strong field in all three events and a particularly close finish in the women's race. It was a fine day for running which must have pleased local organisers and the athletes which took part in the youth's, ladies and men's races.
In the youth's race Daniel Murray of Ballina AC took first place honours with a hugely impressive time of 10:03. Daniel was almost a minute ahead of the second place finisher Sean Gill from Claremorris and David Porter was next home in 11:27 for Craughwell AC. David's sister Laura was first female home in this race and fifth overall in an impressive 13:22. Ballina took the team event here with 14 points and Craughwell were a close second on only 16 points. Congratulations to all the young athletes who took part in this race.
In the ladies race June Swift of JMU (Liverpool) was first past the post closely pursued by our very own Ann Carter of Athenry AC. Hot on Ann's heels was GCH's Regina Casey. All three of these athletes were in contention for first place until very close to the end of the race with finishing times of 10:42, 10:53 and 10:54 respectively. This was superb running over the challenging 3,000m road course. The ladies team event was claimed bu JMU Liverpool (13pts) with the ladies of Mayo AC in second place (18pts) and Loughrea AC in third (54pts). Grannie Breen ran a super race in Athenry AC colours yet again finishing strongly in 14:25 in her debut over 3,000m on the road. The Athenry ladies have the makings of a stong team which will surely challenge for team prizes at other road races before long. Well done to all.
Athenry had a good representation in the men's 10k which was won convincingly by Robert Malseed of Clonliffe Harriers in a time of 32:29. Robert was well clear of John Byrne of Mayo AC who clocked 33:06 who must surely have still been recovering from his recent marathon outing in Dublin which was only two weeks ago. Third past the post was Adam Clansey of Liverpool Harriers in 33:44. First Athenry runner home was Mick Rice in thirteenth place and a time of 36:06. Mark Breen wore the Maroon singlet with distinction and only just failed in his quest to dip under 40:00 by a mere TWO seconds. Next home for Athenry was Philip Magnier who was showing great post-marathon fitness by clocking 41:51 over the 10k distance. This performance represented a personal best for Philip by around forty seconds.
Finish of the day was surely the 'celebrity-death-match' tussle to the line between James Lundon and James Corbett both of whom were, of course, in Athenry colours. James Corbett just prevailed but only by the width of a singlet and although the provisional result has their times as 43:42 and 43:58 (provisionally!) respectively there wasn't even a stride between them on the line (actually 43:29.85 and 43:30.71). Their dash to the finishing line was cheered loudly by the large group of spectators and demonstrated so clearly what makes races like Hollymount great events for club runners. Take a bow gentlemen. Completing the Athenry AC men's contingent on the day was young Martin Keane who looked very strong in the final mile. Martin arrived at the event in his brand new babe-magent of a silver sports car. Retirement seems to be suiting him well. Good running Martin.
Such was the depth of competition on the day the Athenry could only manage seventh place in the men's team contest, which was headed by Mayo AC 'A'. In second place came Liverpool Harriers AC and Mayo AC's 'B' team was good enough for third. Mayo AC deserve great credit for fielding four full men's teams in the race.
Finally a word of thanks to the race organisers in Hollymount for a fantastic day out. Without the dedicated work of race organisers who promote these races year-in and year-out the sport would just die away. The Athenry AC runners who availed of your hospitality today would like to offer our thanks and appreciation of your efforts and we hope to return next year.