Minnock the master in Ferbane as he edges out Somba

Tullamore Harriers AC News

Kevin Minnock had a brilliant win at the Ferbane AC-hosted Hugo Smith 5K race last Sunday. Kevin continues to shine with every outing, and this race was no exception, leaving him very well place in the overall standing in the Healthy Offaly 5K Series.

In a thrilling battle with pre-race favourite Peter Somba of Ballyskenach AC, Kevin pulled away in the final 100 metres to clinch the win by just 3 seconds, finishing in an impressive 15:31. Peter was 2nd (15.34) and Paul Mitchell was 3rd (15.51).

Denise Egan from the host club was the winner of the ladies’ race in 18.23, 2nd was Grace O'Reilly in 18.29 and our own Emily Grennan was 3rd in 18.50.

The race, held on a testing undulating course, was superbly organised and made even more enjoyable by glorious weather, with temperatures in the high teens. The mid-race water station was a much-appreciated feature on the day.

In the age group categories, the clu also had some winners: Sarah Flanagan and Mick O'Brien were 1st O45; Mary Daly and Brendan Abbott took the 1st O60 prizes; while Eileen Kenny and Polly Duffy took the O70 and Junior prizes respectively.

In the team competition the Tullamore Harriers ladies team - Emily Grennan, Sarah Flanagan, Charlotte Abbott and Polly Duffy - finished in 2nd position. The men's team secured first place with great performances by Kevin Minnock, Paul Mitchell, Mick O'Brien and Jonathan Dunne. A fantastic day of racing all round. Well done to everyone who competed and supported.

Tullamore Harriers results: Kevin Minnock 15:31; Paul Mitchell 15:51; Mick O'Brien 16:34; Jonathan Dunne 16:46; Darren Butler 18:12; Emily Grennan 18:50; Jodie O'Reilly 19:08; Sarah Flanagan 19:27; David Hollywood 19:51; Justin Murtagh 19:52; Brendan Abbott 20:00; Charlotte Abbott 21:34; Polly Duffy 21:53; Eileen Kenny 22:54; Anne Marie McNamara 23:07; Aine Golden 23:14; Dave Dunican 23:15; Mary Daly 23:37; John O'Connell 23:39; Mary Galvin 24:08; Paul Hensey 24:37; Naomi Galvin 24:44; Paschal Naughton 25:34; Michael Kinsella 25:46; Sara McLaughlin 26:21; Forrest McCormack 27:52; Mary Hussey 28:52; Olive Mannion 29:05; Bernard Doheny 37:22; Melissa Hogan 50:03

Irish Race Series

Well done to Barry Mooney and Eileen Kenny who lined out for the 1st race of the Irish Race Series - the 5K, on May 17th at the Phoenix Park in Dublin. The 5km route took participants through the park and served as the National 5K Championship event. Eileen came away with a gold medal in the O75 age group with an inspirational time of 22.46 and Barry posted a great 16.43. Great running.

Club record falls

Three of the club's talented junior athletes and four senior athletes competed at the National May Open Track & Field meet, on May 18th, held at Tullamore Harriers.

Eimear Cotter kicked off the day with a strong showing in the long jump, producing six remarkably consistent jumps despite a quick turnaround between attempts.

Her best mark of 5.20m secured 1st place in the competition. Impressively, one of her attempts, though narrowly a foul, surpassed her winning distance and highlighted her technical progress. A fantastic confidence boost as she prepares for the All-Ireland Schools Finals.

On the track, Alisha Maher and Teagan Delaney lined up for the 100m sprint. Alisha clocked a PB of 12.20, showing excellent form.

Teagan recorded a season-best of 13.82, another strong performance. A few hours later, both returned for the 200m, where the highlight of the day came when Alisha ran a stunning 25.30 into a tough headwind, smashing her own club record of 25.58 set earlier in 2025. Teagan posted another season's best, running 28.32.

In the men's 100m, Emmanuel Ilori lined out in Heat 3 and ran 11.30. Dolapo Kush competed in Heat 5 and ran a PB in 11.32. In Heat 6, Stephen Byrne and Sean Flood clocked 12.13 and 12.42 respectively. In the 200m Dolapo Kush again posted a PB with a time of 22.96.

Athlone 10 Mile

Jamie Malone had yet another great run last Saturday at the Athlone 10 Mile Race. Jamie was 5th finisher with a superb time of 1.00.02.

Copenhagen Marathon

Congratulations to David Flaherty who joined over 18,000 to compete at the Copenhagen Marathon on May 11th. David had a great run, to finish in 2.54.23

Fixtures

Friday, May 30: Ballyskenach 5K. Saturday, June 7: Leinster Master Track & Field Championships. Tuesday June 17: Peter English 625, Tullamore Harriers. Sunday, June 22: Jack Cox 10K, Kilcormac.