It’s been a summer of content for the masters ladies and men, who have been going well in competition as well as lighting up local races with their performances. This looks set to continue as Autumn kicks in and cross country season looms.
Charleville Half Marathon
Sunday 21st September saw some outstanding PB performances in the Charleville Half Marathon. Liam McGuane came in with a PB time of 01:18:53. Tom Micks romped home in 01:24:19, and Pat Morrissey made it look easy with his PB of 01:27:18.
Dublin Half Marathon
The Dublin Half Marathon, held in Dublin, of all places, saw Anthony Sharkey run a great time of 01:24:31 and Neil Bradley run a PB of 1:29:20.
East Clare 10K
The East Clare 10K took place on Saturday 20th September. There was a strong representation from Ennis Track. Club runners mounted a strong challenge with Mary Cahill finishing third in the womens race in a time of 43:59. The club had two top 10 finishers in the mens race with Martin Glynn 7th in a time of 36:37 and John Moloney 10th in a time of 37:06. There were solid runs too from Sean Whelan and Marion O’Loughlin. Hilda O’Connor finished the race in 55:00 tethered, as she was, to the 55 Minute pacer balloon.
Cork City 10 Mile
The John Buckley Sports Cork city 10 mile was run on the 14th September. A contingent from the club made the journey South. Aisling Power finished strongly in a time of 1:14:39, her performance auguring well for the upcoming cross country season. There were solid performances too, from Ita Hanrahan (1:17:38), Siobhan Gallagher (1:19:18) and Sean Whelan (1:17:58).
Doon 10K
In Limerick, Jimmy Doyle secured a top 20 finish in the Doon 10K race held on the 14th September with a time of 47:43.
Zimmer Charity Runs
The Zimmer Charity Runs were held in Shannon on the 13th September. Veronica Colleran won the ladies 10K in a time of 40:09 and John Moloney was 3rd in the mens 10K in a time of 39:15. Rafal Kuranda came 5th in the mens 10K in a time of 40:23. David Lyons was 4th in the 10mile race with a great time of 1:00:43.
Doonbeg Half Marathon & 10K
The wilds of west Clare was the setting for the Doonbeg half marathon and 10K held on the 6th September. Pat Morrissey gave a dogged performance to come home 4th in the 10K with a time of 40:01. Ailbhe Morrissey (although not a Master, she is significantly related to one) finished 2nd in the ladies 10K in 46:02. In the half marathon, John Murphy won the M40 category with a time of 01:27:57. The clubs half marathon grandmaster, Sean Whelan (01:44:24) and Jimmy Doyle (01:49:13) finished 5th and 6th respectively in a very competitive M50 category. Angela Behan finished 4th in the F40 category with a time of 02:10:30.
Kilnaboy 11K
In the Kilnaboy 11K, held on the same day, Siobhan Lennon finished second overall and won the ladies 11K race in a time of 47:39.
Curraghchase 10K
Maria Carey had a great victory in the Curraghchase 10K held on the 17th August in Limerick, winning the ladies race in 42:11.
Next up…
The coming months will see some of the clubs masters participating in road races, from 5Ks to the Dublin Marathon. All will no doubt be savouring the feel of solid ground beneath their feet, in advance of the Clare and Munster cross country competitions.