Midleton Runs

by Peter Gunning


Not even the torrential rain could dampen the enthusiasm of the 401 hardy souls who finished this year’s Joe Hourigan Five Mile Road Race. The record number of entrants included a staggering eighty from our own club. James McCarthy, East Cork AC was first across the tape in 25:30 with two former winners of the Cork City Marathon, Michael Herlihy and Roy Fahy in hot pursuit. Rhona Lynch, Eagle AC in 30.03 was the first lady finisher with Niamh Walsh, Leevale in second place in 30.50. Our first athlete was the ever impressive John Hennessy who followed his third place in the 3000m at the Cork Masters Track and Field Championships to finish here in 9th position overall in 28.53 and taking 1st place in the 0-40 category. Marc Dalton , Daragh Canavan and Adam Duchnicz were all well-placed. Anne Geary 34.19 and Breda Cahill with a 34.28 pb led our ladies home with category prize winning performances from Sally Drennan, Joan Hough, Mary O’Keeffe and Margaret Barry. This was a night however for shared pride in a club that has promoted one of the leading races on the IAA calendar. Great credit is due to race director, John Cashman for ensuring that every detail was addressed with this massive undertaking accomplished without a hitch. Indeed having already brought over six hundred runners to the Ballintotis 4 miler the week before (including 94 with Midelton AC vests!) John is building quite a reputation in race directing. Mile buíochas, John. Credit also to Mr Beginners, Vincent Connolly who must take great personal satisfaction in seeing his protégés chalking up pbs with every new race. It is lovely to see so many new faces not only at training but also at competitions.
Bouquets this month are awarded to two of our members for two wonderful individual achievements. Seán O’Sullivan bounced back from a recurring leg injury to take the line at the recent unofficial world record-breaking Boston Marathon. While Mr Mutai won the event in a staggering 2hrs 3min, Seán followed him home in 3:26. Our globe-trotting Seán has now competed in four of the recognised five marathon majors with London calling to fill the quintet. Meanwhile as Seán was chasing down Mutai in Boston, Jim Boyle headed to the Limerick Marathon where he broke the magic 3:30 for the first time. This was a terrific run for our man from the north. Gentlemen, we salute you both.
Several of our athletes ran the BHAA Pfizer 6 mile road race in Ringaskiddy last week. Fergal O’Meara yet again posted a pb (is there any stopping Flan??) with solid running too from Tom Cody (2nd 0-55), Marc Dalton (8th overall),Donie O’ Connell, Barry Aherne, Declan Dorgan, John Cashman, Peter Gunning, Danny McCarthy, Stan Byczek, Helen Geary, Denise Hickey and Sinéad Buckley
Details of the Bandon Half Marathon were not available before going to press but both Tom Cody and Danny McCarthy performed well on a very inhospitable course. Full details will be posted on the blog as soon as they are made available.
Promoting the Midleton AC colours internationally in next Sunday’s Edinburgh Half-Marathon will be club members Kevin Cooney and his daughter Nicola. Kevin has been in sparkling form in recent weeks improving his times with every race. He and Nicola are dedicating their Edinburgh run to the memory of their beloved, Mary. They hope to raise money for both Marymount Hospice and the St Therese’s Oncology Ward in the Mercy Hospital. Kevin will gratefully accept sponsorship and can be contacted at 087 9735347.
Dates for your diary this fortnight include:
• Thursday 19th May @8pm The Cheetah Run, 4 mile race organised by Eagle AC in Fota Wildlife Park. (No cheetahs need apply)
• Sunday 22nd May @1.30pm The Emer Casey Memorial 10km Road Race. Youghal.
• Monday 23rd @7pm. At C.I.T. track 200m 3000m, Long Jump and Shot Putt. (all adult categories)
• Thursday 26th May @8pm. The first of the Ballycotton 5 mile series in Ballyandreen.
• Tuesday 31st May @8pm. The BHAA John Buckley 5km Road Race, Marina.
Training:
Monday 6pm CBS all abilities.
Tuesday from Community Centre Car Park. 6pm beginners with coach Vincent Connolly, 7pm all others with coach Edmund O’Sullivan.
Saturday 6pm from hotel car park.
Coimead ag rith!