Na Fianna AC 5k 2022 (17th May)

Cancelled for the last two years due to Covid, the Na Fianna AC 5k, made a very welcome return on Tuesday evening 17th May. Nearly 800 runners converged on the village of Johnstownbridge, Enfield to run in this popular race that commemorates the memories of Bob Heffernan and Mary Hanley, Club stalwarts that were members of Na Fianna AC from the start. The Enfield course is flat and has a reputation for being fast, ideal for runners looking to test themselves and hoping to run personal best times. Mullingar Harriers athletes was out in force, with twenty two members competing, on what was a brilliant evening for running.

This was race three of the 2022 Kia race series and again it attracted the top athletes with the winner coming home in an impressive time of 14 minutes. Not far behind the winner was one of our own who is flying ever since his return to training, Vinny Connolly, in a very impressive 14:56, a personal best. Next home was Timmy Murphy (15:35) in his first 5k in a while as he has been concentrating on longer distances. Timmy was followed home by John Whitelaw who ran a strong time of 15:40 to follow up his strong run in Kilkenny in race 2 of this series, and following John was the ever-consistent James Keegan (15:41) to secure 3rd Club for the Mullingar men. Andrew Nevin (16:08) was very happy with his run, then came Ian Mc Cormack (16:34), Kedagh Geoghegan (16:38), followed by his training partner Alan Crowley who ran a strong time of 16:45, followed very closely by Evan McCormack (16:53). Eoin Clarke came very close to breaking 17 minutes, finishing in 17:01, ahead of Eddie Newman (17:12), 2nd in his master category and very satisfied with his time as it was his second 5k race in 2 days. Next home was Sinead Whitelaw placing twelfth woman in the women’s race with an excellent 17 minutes 40 seconds, followed by Aine O’Reilly (17:49) 2nd in her master category, Enda O’Carolan in a strong 17:57 and it was good to see Enda back racing as he had been injured for a couple of months. Next and having a good battle was Stephen Naughton (18:31), Michelle Bohan (18:34) a personal best, and Enda Seery (18:38) very happy with his time. Then came Amy Mahony (18:59) a personal best, Glenda Shaw (19:52) a personal best, Ann Hall (20:15), Emer O’Hanlon (21:26) and John Bannon (21:36) completed the group. The Mullingar women finished 4th Club, but when the best three men and women from each Club was calculated, the Mullingar men and women finished 3rd Club.

Mullingar Harriers was very well represented in what was a very competitive race and some excellent performances and times were recorded. Well done to all club members involved.