“Battle of Clontarf” 10 Mile 2023 – incorp. Athletics Leinster 10 Mile (10th Apr)

Leinster 10 Mile team medals for Mullingar women

St. Anne’s Park in Raheny was the venue for the “Battle of Clontarf” 10 Mile on Easter Monday 10th April, which incorporated the Athletics Leinster 10 Mile Championship, adding to the interest and competitive edge of the race. The course was two laps of the park, which remained open to other users, but the organisers and host Club, Raheny Shamrock AC, made sure there were plenty of stewards around the course to keep the course clear for the runners and in fact the casual users of the park made excellent spectators as they cheered the runners along, adding to the atmosphere. This race returned last year after a two year absence due to Covid restrictions, when just over 300 took part, but this year numbers surged and nearly doubled to 560, marking an excellent return to normality after Covid. The weather was quite mild and good for running, though the early morning persistent drizzle wasn’t ideal. However, just as the runners were called to the start, the rain suddenly stopped and the race was run in dry conditions, which was excellent for the runners and spectators. Being dry also meant that the runners could gather at the finish after the race to cheer others in and to hold the post mortems normal after every race. Being dry also meant the runners weren’t tempted to cover up with dry clothing and get away as quick as they could and once they had done their cool they could stay for the presentation of prizes and medals.

There are some tricky parts of the course, with twists and bends, especially around the Rose Garden, so not a course necessarily for fast times, but all the Mullingar athletes turned in solid performances in pursuit of Leinster honours. Eddie Newman had hoped to run under an hour but despite a great effort in the finish straight with his eyes firmly fixed on the timing clock over the finish gantry, he finished just seconds outside the hour, in 60:03, but was still happy with his effort, which placed him 2nd in his master category. Close on his heels and also finishing with a very fast and determined effort was Alan Crowley in 60:12, a lot quicker than last year, to place well up in his master category but out of the medals. Mullingar had six women in action and were targeting team honours. Aisling Corcoran led the Mullingar women home in 69:39, and with great support and team packing by Gemma Kelly (75:30), Linda Cunningham (78:21), Caroline Mullen (79:17), Marie Louise Johnston (79:28) and Patricia Broderick (88:00), the master women team of Aisling, Gemma and Linda finished 4th Club, but when all six were combined, they finished a terrific 3rd senior women County team, so they all earned Leinster medals for their efforts.

Congratulations to all the Mullingar athletes on their efforts in what was an excellent Leinster Championship race.