Shane Brennan Memorial 5k 2024 (26 Dec)

The Shane Brennan Memorial 5k took place on St Stephen’s Day in Newtownforbes, Co. Longford. As normal, the event attracted a good entry, nearly 360 runners and walkers, including many from Mullingar Harriers. The flat fast course, which included a one kilometre section from 3k to 4k through Newtownforbes Biodiversity Trail, and a lap around the Clonguish GAA grounds at the finish, along with the dry and mild weather conditions that prevailed for the race made fast times possible and the large contingent from the club who participated were all happy with their results.

The standout performances from a Mullingar Harriers perspective were undoubtedly from the Glennon family. Champion race walker, Matthew Glennon, was second overall in 16:41, while equally impressive was the performance of his sister Susan Glennon in finishing second senior woman in 18:28. The Glennon family was well represented in the race and the performances of John Glennon (17:35), Gareth Glennon (18:25) first u/12 boy, Andrew Glennon (19:00) and Daniel Glennon (19:02) second u/16 boy were all noteworthy.

Brigid McCabe was a convincing winner of her master category running a very good time of 23:35 while Padraig Beglin had an excellent run finishing in a time of 18:48, which was a PB and a big improvement on his previous best for the distance. Patrick Muldoon (20:08), Nicky McCabe (second in his master category) and Breda McDonnell were all happy with their runs and the opportunity to shake off some of the excess of the Christmas celebrations. After the race as is customary the participants gathered in the Clonguish GAA complex for a great spread of tea, coffee and refreshments.