Kinsella wins annual Neville 10 Mile race

The annual Neville 10 Mile Race took place on Sunday last, once again bringing together Tullamore Harriers athletes for one of the club’s special tribute events, held in honour of some of its greatest-ever runners.

The race is dedicated to the memory of Mick Neville, a native of Lynally, and one of the outstanding Irish distance runners of his generation. A member of Tullamore Harriers from the early 1950s, Mick went on to enjoy an exceptional international career during the 1960s, recording remarkable times, breaking Irish and European records and competing against some of the leading athletes in the world.

Despite his considerable talent and achievements, Mick was known for his quiet and modest nature, preferring to let his performances on the track and road speak for themselves. His contribution to Tullamore Harriers and to Irish athletics has left a lasting legacy, and the annual 10-mile race provides a fitting way for the club to remember and celebrate that legacy.

The race itself is run in a handicap format. Athletes began with three laps of the Harriers tartan track before setting off at staggered times according to their given handicap. The format creates an exciting chase, with runners attempting to catch those ahead of them while also holding off the athletes starting behind.

From the club grounds, the route headed out the Charleville Road towards Mucklagh, passing close to Mick’s homeplace in Lynally before turning at Kilsaran. The runners then returned towards Tullamore Harriers, where a final lap of the track awaited them before the finish. The handicap format always ensures plenty of curiosity and excitement to see who will be first to arrive into the club grounds with just 500m remaining.

On this occasion it was Michael Kinsella who was first across the line with a gun to tape run, taking the Neville 10 win for 2026. Fastest man was Jonathan Dunne and fastest lady was Sarah Flanagan, who clocked 57.50 and 1.14.01 respectively.

Second was Garry Dwyer and third was Niamh McEnhill. The fourth finisher was Shane McGuinness with Martina Lydon 5th and Rachel Henry in 6th.

Tullamore Harriers Chairman Adrian Curley welcomed the Neville family: his brother Vin Neville, his sister Rita Daly and nephew Greg Neville and took the opportunity to reflect on Mick’s extraordinary achievements and the lasting influence he has had on generations of athletes.

The successful running of the event was once again down to the work of the club’s volunteers and officials. Special thanks go to competition secretary Anna Hyland, club handicapper John Cronin, timekeeper Liam Hennessy and club secretary Sharon Daly, and to all the marshals and officials who gave their time to ensure the race ran smoothly.

Neville 10 Mile results

Michael Kinsella 1.36.20 (clock time), 00.00 (handicap) – winner; Gary Dwyer 1.36.40 (clock time), 3.15 (handicap), 1.33.25 (actual time) - 2nd finisher; Niamh McEnhill 1.36.46, 23.45, 1.13.01 - 3rd finisher; Shane McGuinness 1.36.55, 29.30, 1.07.25 - 4th finisher; Martina Lydon 1.37.16, 3.15, 1.34.01 - 5th finisher; Rachel Henry 1.38.07, 23.45, 1.14.22 - 6th finisher; Mary Daly 1.38.30, 15.15, 1.23.15; Jonathan Dunne 1.38.35, 40.45, 57.5 - fastest man; Lorcan Scally 1.39.22 21.45 1.17.37; Michael O'Brien 1.39.43, 40.45, 58.58; Olive Mannion 1.39.52, 3.15, 1.36.37; Mary Galvin 1.40.06, 15.45, 1.24.21; Mary Guest 1.40.13, 2.30, 1.37.43; Jason McDermott 1.40.15, 29.30, 1.10.45; Alan Mitchell 1.40.36, 26.45, 1.13.51; Elysia McCormack 1.41.00, 20.15, 1.20.45; Rita Daly Ravenhill 1.41.34, 21.15, 1.20.19; Padraig Berry 1.41.36, 34.15, 1.07.21; Sarah Flanagan 1.43.31, 29.3, 1.14.01 - fastest woman; Hilary Duncan 1.44.38, 11.15, 1.33.23.