McDermott claims victory in annual Neville 10-mile race
Jason McDermott claimed the premier podium place at the annual Neville 10 Mile Race hosted by Tullamore Harriers on Sunday morning.
The annual race pays homage to one of the club’s greatest athletes Mick Neville who was an international-class runner in the 1960s.
A native of Lynally, near Mucklagh, Mick achieved remarkable times during his career, breaking both Irish and European records and earning a reputation as a fearsome competitor who famously defeated some of the top athletes of his era, including Olympic champion Abebe Bikila.
Club Chairman Adrian Curley delivered a heartfelt speech celebrating Mick’s legacy. He described Mick as “gentle in his manner but fierce on the track”, whether on cross country or the road.
While "untouchable in competition, he was remembered as a humble, unassuming gentleman" away from it.
Adrian’s words painted a vivid picture of a man worth knowing and celebrating.
The race itself began with three laps of the tartan track, with athletes seting off according to the handicap system, creating an exciting staggered chase.
From there, the runners made their way out the Charleville Road towards Mucklagh, passing close to Mick Neville’s homeplace in Lynally, before turning at Kilsaran.
The return leg brought them back along the same route to the Harriers grounds, where a final lap of the track awaited, the last test in what proved a challenging 10 mile course.
Although the field was a modest 27 athletes, the staggered start made for a thrilling chase to see who would reach the finish line first.
In the end, it was Jason McDermott who claimed victory after a superb run, followed by Liam Dunne in second place and Mary Galvin in third position. Niamh McEnhill took fourth spot, Kevin Minnock finished in fifth position, while Bryce Fraser came home in sixth place. The fastest overall time went to Mick O’Brien, while Sarah Flanagan claimed honours as the fastest lady.
The Neville family were represented on the day by Mick’s sister Rita Daly (mother of club captain Rita Daly and member Mary Daly), his brother Vin Neville, nephew Greg Neville and niece Frances Neville.