Heidi McCarthy (centre), a gold medal winner at the Castlegar Open Cross Country.

Young Harriers athletes shine in Castlegar Open cross country

Published: Fri 25 Sep 2026, 11:22 AM

Athletics: Tullamore Harriers News

On Saturday last, several Tullamore Harriers athletes made the journey to Galway racecourse for the Castlegar Open cross country meet. This event traditionally heralds the transition from road and track events to the fields. There is always a strong turnout at this competitive fixture, and it also incorporates the Galway championship.

First up representing Tullamore Harriers was Sophie Hynes who lined up in the U12 girls’ competition. She ran a strong race and produced a blistering fast finish to claim the gold by one second to get the Harriers athletes off to a great start.

Not to be outdone by his sister, James Hynes controlled the U14 boys’ race and also finished in first place with a race plan executed perfectly.

Next up was Heidi McCarthy in the girls U14 race. There was tough competition and Heidi showed great grit and determination to hold off the fast finishing Galway challengers to also claim gold by a mere second in a super race.

Róisín O’Brien was next up in the girls U15 race which was 2.5 kilometres in length and she acquitted herself very well coming home in an excellent sixth place amongst a very strong field of athletes.

Jack Marron donned the blue and white vest in the Boys U18 race which was 4.5 kilometres and by this stage the weather turned very challenging with torrential rain and blustery wind throughout. Jack stuck to his task and finished in sixth place which is a great season opener for him.

Mairéad O’Brien took to the line in the girls U11 race which was easily the biggest field of the day. She ran consistently throughout the 1-kilometre race and crossed the line in 34th place.

Mick O’Brien also raced in the men’s open race which was 8km and he came home 2nd over 50. Altogether a very successful outing for the Tullamore athletes and sets them up nicely for the Offaly cross country season.

World Road Running Championships Copenhagen

Three Tullamore Harriers ladies travelled to Copenhagen to take part in the Copenhagen Running Festival, alongside a large field of more than 65,000 athletes. The festival incorporated the second staging of the World Road Running Championships, with championship races over the 1 Mile, 5K and Half Marathon distances.

The ladies proudly donned the blue and white and in the 5k where Rita Daly Ravenhill clocked 22:47, Una Mullen 28:24 and Karen Nolan 28:24. Karen then went on to compete in the mile race, where she recorded 6:47.

Athlone AC races

Olive Mannion supported the Athlone AC 10K race last Sunday on a beautiful day for running. The out-and-back course started and finished on the TUS Midlands running track in Athlone, taking in the Athlone/Mullingar Old Rail Trail greenway along the way. Olive had a great run, finishing 2nd O60 in a time of 56:43. The event also included a half marathon race.

Elsewhere, Melissa Hogan competed in the 2 Johnnies Women’s Mini Marathon in Cahir on Saturday last. Melissa clocked 1.22.19 for the 8K run.

Dublin Half Marathon

John O'Connell lined out in the Phoenix Park for the Irish Life Dublin Half Marathon last Sunday. The somewhat hilly route brought 8,000 runners together for 13.1 miles through the Phoenix Park for the final race of the Irish Life Series. John clocked 2.00.16.

Rhode 3/4 Marathon

On Saturday, September 19, Tullamore Harriers’ Garry Whittle competed in the Rhode AC-hosted 3/4 Marathon - a challenging 19.65-mile race. Garry had a fantastic run, finishing 8th overall in a time of 2:23:03. A great performance and one that sets him up nicely for the Dublin Marathon in a few weeks’ time.

Richie Faulkiner competed in the Luggacurren 10K race in Co. Laois on September 13th. The race is a long-standing road race featuring a course of challenging hills. Richie was 2nd over 50 in 42.51.

Fixtures

4th October: Offaly Novice & Even ages Cross Country Championships, Kilcormac/Killoughey GAA. 6th October: Paddy Larkin 3K & Club Mass, Tullamore Harriers. 11th October: Offaly Masters & Uneven Cross Country Championships, Kilcormac/Killoughey GAA. 24th October: Leinster Even Age, U20 & Novice, Gowran, Co. Kilkenny. 25th October: National Marathon Championships, Dublin.