Mr Oil County Intermediate Cross Country
Taghmon AC were the welcoming hosts as the County Board hosted day 2 of Cross country season. Today was Intermediate day as ladies faced 4km and men 8km around the 1km loop which took athletes around 2 fields and what felt like more uphill than downhill. The course was very good underfoot with a long uphill section which stretched the field lap after lap. Not for the faint hearted.
With ladies up first they looked at a 4 lap course with Mary Gaynor 7th in 20:09 pushing hard leading the 3 home followed by Catherine O'Connor 8th in 21:05 and Helen Sinnott 11th in 23:39
Great running by all 3 who pushed themselves hard throughout the race.
The last race of the day saw the men line up to face 8 laps of the marked out course. Our four gents were lead home in determined fashion by Tony Harpur 15th in 34:02 with Tadhg Henderson 26th in 43:12, Darren O'Grady 27th in 45:46 & John Dier 28th 46:32 all running well. Again great running by each athlete.
A word of thanks to Padraig Kelly who officiated, the County board and Taghmon AC on hosting another successful event and finally to our crew of supporters who encouraged our athletes through every step of the race.
Simon Home Run 5 mile.
In Dublin's Fair City our 3 musketeers made their way out to the Phoenix Park to compete in the 5 Mile race which is a very important fundraiser for the Dublin Simon Community.
Why were they up there ?
Well it was the 40th anniversary of the event and Martin Kelly was the inaugural winner in 1983. To celebrate that he raced it again 40 years later, joined by Tony Harpur & Brian Smyth (along with Tony's brother Paul). Super running conditions and a lovely atmosphere as they readied themselves for the startes whistle.
Excellent performances from all 3 with Tony home in 12th place in 31:28, Brian just behind in 15th place in 32:07 and the celebrity himself Martin Kelly 1:05:15 which numbered him in 659th place.
Congratulations gentlemen.
Mr. Oil Novice Cross Country.
Today saw the Mr Oil County Cross Country race series return for 2023. United Striders were the kind hosts using J.F.K. Park grounds as they marked out a testing but fair 2km loop for competitors to navigate. The course was well received by all and compliments to Striders and the County Board., they even arranged a nice warm day after the miserable day that Saturday was.
Our Super 8 (named by our Captain) put in very determined runs today. Mary Gaynor, Louise Henderson, Helen Sinnott, Carol Dowling, Tony Harpur, Tadhg Henderson, John Dier & Liam Carroll all pulled on their club vest and stepped up to the start line.
Ladies had a 2 lap run on the course and with some brilliant runs saw them claim a superb team silver , a fantastic result ladies huge congratulations and well deserved. Special mention to Mary Gaynor finishing a super 5th place.
Men had 3 laps of the course and excellent runs by the men but unfortunately no medals on the day.
Thanks to Siobhan Doyle who officiated on the day and our support crew who encouraged our athletes around the course Catherine & Brian.
Next weekend sees the Mr Oil Intermediate Cross Country and Uneven Age take place in Taghmon and kindly hosted by Taghmon AC.
@aoifelyng_photos &@sharrondier
The European Masters Athletics Championships
The European Masters Athletics Championships are being held in Pescara, Italy on the 24th of September. The club is being represented by two athletes. Brian Smyth donned the Irish vest for the first time to toe the line in the 7K Cross Country. Heavy rain for 2 hours before the start changed course conditions from a lovely dry one to a wet course with plenty of surface water. Brian ably conquered the 4 lap route amongst stiff competition to finish in a respectable 16th position in the 0/40's in a time of 29:22
We wish Martin Kelly the best of luck as he takes part in the 0/65 5000m on the track on Tuesday 25th of September.
