Ballycotton 10

As the early evening mist descended on the picturesque fishing village of Ballycotton on Sunday one hundred and sixteen members of our club headed home each with individual race memories. Vincent Connolly brought along eighteen of his new members group all of whom finished in excellent times and all are now eagerly looking forward to the next challenge. The race was won by Moldovan Sergiu Ciobanu in just under fifty minutes with Lizzie Lee from Leevale dipping under fifty nine minutes to take the ladies race.

While it would be impossible to relate the achievements of all our athletes with pbs and sbs coming from every direction, some outstanding performances merit a special mention. Our own elite force from Midleton AC clocked personal bests with Noel O’Regan home in 57:21 closely followed by Kevin Smyth in his Ballycotton best of 59:57. Neilus Aherne took second prize in the O-55 category with a scintillating 60:46 while our first lady, Michelle Nolan again posted a sub 65. Category prizes also went to Sally Drennan, 3rd O-45 in 72:03 and Margaret Barry 1st O-60. Another prize winner from Midleton AC was Michael Furlong as first Junior finisher in 68:08. Great to see that two of our Rotterdam-bound marathoners, Adrian Williams and Fergal O’Meara came home in pbs. Only five weeks to go lads and you are looking good.

At the post-race dinner in the Mideton Park on Sunday night each member had his or her own story to tell. Whether it was Donie’s birthday reminiscing of twenty seven consecutive Ballycotton’s , or Noel’s mile by mile account of his umpteenth personal best, the crack was up to ninety. Thanks to newly appointed club captains, Sally and Ed and the social committee for organising the night.

So here’s to Ballycotton 2012! Keep on running!

Peter Gunning - Joint PRO from Peter Gunning