Charlotte crowned Offaly novice champion
Tullamore Harriers AC News
Day 1 of the Offaly Cross Country Championships took place on Sunday last, with the Offaly Novice Championships, hosted by Birr Athletic Club, at the Kilcormac/Killoughey GAA grounds. The dry, bright morning and superb underfoot conditions provided a good start, and gently easing the athletes into the cross-country season.
Tullamore Harriers had three ladies and three men competing, with a standout performance from Charlotte Abbott, who took the Offaly novice title in the ladies 4000m race. A fantastic achievement for Charlotte, who continues to line out for the club season after season and puts huge effort into both her training and competition. Charlotte was supported in the ladies race by Mary Galvin and Hilary Duncan, both of whom are equally dedicated to representing the club, particularly at cross country events.
In the men's 6000m race, Gearóid McHugh made his cross country debut and had a fine run to finish 10th. He was followed by David Hollywood in 16th and Enda Golden in 21st. Well done to all six athletes on a great morning of running and congratulations to Charlotte.
Tullamore Harriers results as follows. Ladies (4k): Charlotte Abbott 18.16; Mary Galvin 22.01; Hilary Duncan 22.23. Men (6K): Gearoid McHugh 26.12; David Hollywood 28.05; Enda Golden 29.11.
Longwood 3/4 Marathon
Well done to Gary Whittle, who travelled to Co. Meath on Sunday last to compete in the Longwood 3/4 Marathon. The race serves as a dress rehearsal for many athletes preparing for the Dublin Marathon later in the month, taking in a lovely but testing course through the Meath countryside. Gary recorded a time of 2:20, putting him on target for a very respectable marathon time in Dublin.
Galway Bay races
Well done to the crew who travelled for the Galway Bay Half Marathon and 10K last Saturday, enjoying beautiful sunny conditions in Salthill. The course for both races consisted of laps along the coastal road in Salthill. Results as follows. Half Marathon: Rita Daly Ravenhill 1.43.32; Máire-Tríona Keane 1.44.37; Emer Rigney 1.48.20. 10K: Dave Dunican 47:10; Elysia McCormack 48.48; Paschal Naughton 54.15.
Rathfarnham 5k
The club was represented by six athletes at the popular Rathfarnham 5K on September 27 and despite torrential rain, all performed well. This race, which has been held annually since 1998 on the streets of Rathfarnham and Terenure, once again attracted a big turnout, with over 1,000 finishers and incorporated the Dublin 5k Road Championships.
First for Tullamore Harriers was Kevin Minnock in 14.49 (tenth place). Daniel Rigney was next home in the blue and white in 15.54 followed by Barry Mooney 16.40, Ally Duffy 17.18, Fionnan Minnock 20.50 and Aurielia Crotty 21.37.