Minnock wins again as curtain falls on 5k series
Tulllamore Harriers AC News
While it seems like only yesterday that the 2026 Healthy Offaly 5K Road Race Series got underway with the Tullamore Harriers 5K, back in March, the series ended in Birr last Sunday morning.
After eight races, excellent participation numbers and plenty of competitive racing along the way, it was a fitting finale to another hugely successful series.
The Birr AC 5K with its testing route with its testing route, followed by a very fast 500m finish had 293 finishers. Usually held on a Friday evening to coincide with Birr’s Vintage Arts Festival, this year the race was held as a standalone event and Birr AC once again provided a fantastic finale to the series.
The club was represented by 23 athletes with Tullamore Harriers dominating the podium. Kevin Minnock took yet another 5K series victory in 15:02, with young clubmate Daniel Rigney finishing second in 16:12. Gerard Hanlon of Edenderry AC was third in 16:15.
Kevin competed in seven of the eight races in the series, winning five of them, setting him up nicely for the overall win in the Healthy Offaly 5K Series (with overall series results to be confirmed at the time of writing).
In the women's race, Orla Tooher of host club Birr AC, took the win in 19:56, with Tullamore Harriers athletes filling the next two places - Máire-Tríona Keane in 19:58 and Niamh McEnhill in 20:01 in the team competition, Tullamore Harriers took first place in the women's and men's team events. Women's team: Máire-Tríona Keane, Niamh McEnhill, Charlotte Abbott and Karen Nolan. Men's team: Kevin Minnock, Daniel Rigney, Jonathan Dunne and Mick O'Brien
In the age group categories Tullamore also featured - Jack Marron: 1st Junior male; Charlotte Abbott - 1st O40; Jonathan Dunne - 1st O45; Mick O'Brien - 1st O50. Well done everyone and congratulations to Birr AC on a superb event from start to finish.
Tullamore Harriers results: Kevin Minnock 15:02; Daniel Rigney 16:12; Jonathan Dunne 16:49; Micheal O'Brien 17:01; Nigel Cunningham 17:37; Jack Marron 18:19; Nick McGowan 18:42; Padraig Berry 18:46; Liam Byrne 19:18; John Donegan 19:25; Brendan Abbott 19:50; Máire-Tríona Keane 19:58; Niamh McEnhill 20:01; Charlotte Abbott 20:17; Sean Reynolds 20:18; Bryce Fraser 20:20; James Fleming 22:05; Karen Nolan 22:11; Forrest McCormack 22:11; Olive Mannion 25:22; Pat Kennedy 25:16; Paschal Naughton 25:56; Michael Kinsella 26:48; Sandra Busteed 27:17.
BnM Tullamore Harriers Half Marathon
With just a week to go, excitement is building for the BnM Tullamore Harriers Half Marathon on Saturday, August 29. A record 1,400 entries sold out within weeks of registration opening, underlining the event's growing popularity. Held annually on the last Saturday of August, the half marathon has become a key fixture on the athletics calendar, providing the ideal opportunity for runners preparing for the Dublin City Marathon and other autumn races.
The event will see runners tackle a challenging but fair course through the scenic countryside around Tullamore. Starting at 10am on the Charleville Road at the junction with Dillon Street, the route takes runners through Mucklagh, along the Ross Road to Ballinacanty Cross, through Killurin, before finishing with a lap of the Tullamore Harriers track.
Tullamore Harriers is sincerely grateful for the continued support of BnM, Offaly County Council, An Garda Síochána, Offaly Civil Defence, the event's sponsors, residents and the hundreds of volunteers whose commitment makes the race possible each year.
The club thanks the public in advance for their patience and cooperation for what promises to be another successful Tullamore Harriers Half Marathon.
Condolences
The chairman and members of Tullamore Harriers offer condolences to the family of the late Michael Mooney. May he rest in peace.
Fixtures
Saturday, 29th August: BnM Tullamore Harriers Half Marathon. Sunday, 13th September: Neville 10 Mile, Tullamore Harriers. Sunday, 4th October: Offaly Cross Country Championships – Day 1. Sunday, 11th October: Offaly Cross Country Championships – Day 2.
Training
Senior training on Tuesdays at 5.55pm & 6.40pm, and Thursdays at 6.30pm.