“Battle of Clontarf” 10 Mile 2024 – incorp. Athletics Leinster 10 Mile (1st Apr)

The “Battle of Clontarf” 10 mile took place on Easter Monday (1st April) in St. Anne’s Park, Raheny. This race incorporated the Athletics Leinster 10 Mile Championship, adding a very competitive atmosphere on the day. With the host club Raheny Shamrock AC ensuring the open park was well manned with stewards around the course, it was a very enjoyable event for athletes and onlookers alike. The weather was ideal for racing, remaining cool for the morning and a little drizzle even appeared to keep the athletes refreshed.

The course has some tricky parts, with twists and turns aplenty, but our Mullingar athletes were unfazed and all turned in stellar performances. Nine athletes from Mullingar made their way alongside 350 other competitors through the course. Gerard Gavin, back to the racing scene, led Mullingar home in 62 minutes 41 seconds, placing him 3rd in his master category. Patrick Muldoon was next to finish (67:16) and James Cribbin (77:07) provided the third score for the men’s team, placing them 3rd master men Club.

Mullingar had six women in action and were targeting team honours. With great determination Mary Stuart led the Mullingar women home in 68 minutes 46 seconds to win her master category and with great support and team packing from Aisling Corcoran (69:28) 1st in her master category, Gemma Kelly (76:33), Emer O’ Hanlon (77:03), Linda Cunningham (78:21) and Kelly Dunne making her 10 mile debut to finish in 89:10, the master women team of Mary, Aisling and Gemma finished 1st Club, and when the scores from all six members of the team were combined they finished a magnificent 3rd Senior women County team, so they all earned Leinster medals for their efforts. Congratulations to all our athletes on their performances, returning home with 15 Championship medals between them, in what was an excellent Leinster Championship race [LC].