Week ending Saturday 18th May
Hometown wins in Hyundai “Pat Finnerty Memorial” 5k
In years gone by, before the surrounding area was developed for housing, the Club grounds had been used several times as a base for cross country events but last on Wednesday evening 8th May the grounds were race HQ for the Pat Finnerty Memorial 5k. Parking, start and finish all located at or very near the grounds greatly helped the logistics for the event. Parking at the grounds was well supplemented thanks to the generosity of our near neighbours Mullingar Educate Together National School and Mullingar Presbyterian Church.
While the runners in the 5k warmed up, there was a 1,500m race for boys and girls u/16 on an out and back course, so no one could go astray. First to finish was Philip McCartan, followed by Callum Costello and Conor Liston. First girl was Aisling Lane, Lydia McDonnell second and Síofra O’Reilly third. Once all 30 youngsters had finished and received their finisher medals, they returned to the Clubhouse for some well-earned refreshments before heading out again to support the adults in the 5k race.
The Gardaí were out in good number to help control traffic where required and with lots of our own members in orange bibs dotted strategically around the course, runner safety was assured. Leading the runners out – silently – was a Hyundai electric car, so no fumes to choke the lead runners, and taking up the rear was Gerard Flynn cycling behind and keeping a watchful eye on the back markers. Westmeath Civil Defence was also on hand in case first aid was required. The weather wasn’t great for the time of year and wet blustery conditions made it slightly difficult for the runners. Despite the conditions, a straightforward left turning two lap course on relatively flat terrain ensured times would be quick, and race winner Timmy Murphy (Mullingar Harriers) certainly showed that, with a fine winning time of 15:29, ahead of Andrew Nevin (Mullingar Harriers) in 15:42, just holding off the very quick finishing Paul Mitchell (Tullamore Harriers) in 15:44. It was a home victory for Mullingar too in the women’s race, and a home 1-2-3, thanks to Elizabeth Carr (17:31), Linda Conroy (18:15) and Michelle Bohan (18:55).
Finishing right outside the grounds, most chose to cool down on the perimeter gravel trail around the track before going into the Clubhouse for refreshments and something to eat, of which there was more than enough thanks to the contributions of sandwiches, buns, cake, biscuits and treats dropped in by Club members, parents and friends earlier in the evening.
Right through the field of runners there was competition in the junior races and in the various master categories, with close finishes in some cases. All the results are available on www.myrunresults.com. After the race, while everyone was tucking into the refreshments, the prizes were presented to the various category winners including the Pat Finnerty Memorial Trophies for first man and first woman presented to Timmy Murphy and Elizabeth Carr.
This concluded a successful first staging of a new 5k race on a new fast course with good numbers registering for the event. The success of the race is due to the very many volunteers who gave up their free time, under the guidance of Race Director Michael O’Sullivan and his team. These are the people who took registrations, organised car parking, stewarded the course, organized prizes, and did all the other tasks required.
Many thanks again to the Gardaí, Westmeath Civil Defence, Mullingar Educate Together National School, Mullingar Presbyterian Church, and the many parents, members and friends that contributed food and refreshments. Also thanks to Ronan and Eimear from My Run Results for looking after the results in a professional manner. Finally, thanks to Hyundai Mullingar for their generous sponsorship of the event, but especially thanks to everyone who took part. The next big event for the Club will be the Mullingar 10 Mile road race in July.
Leinster Road Title for Eddie Newman
Gowran AC has hosted and expertly organised the Leinster Novice & Master Road Championships for many years on the May Bank Holiday Monday and this year the event on 6th May brought athletes from all over Leinster in search of individual, Club and County medals. Among them was our own Eddie Newman who was running the Master Men 6,000m only a week after running a terrific 2 hours 49 minutes at the London Marathon, so he wasn’t entirely sure how his weary limbs would hold up. The 6,000m race was four laps of the 1,500m course, providing spectators with plenty of action to enjoy in the pleasant cool overcast conditions. As it turned out, Eddie needn’t have worried, settling quickly into his running and covering the distance without any problem to finish well up overall in 21:24 and comfortably winning his master category by nearly a minute.
Club’s youngest athletes to compete in Tullamore
There are limited opportunities for our younger members to take part in competition but this Friday evening at 6.30pm boys and girls from u/9 (born 2011) to u/14 (born 2006) can compete at the annual Inter-County Athletics Match between Laois, Longford, Offaly and Westmeath in Tullamore Harriers Stadium. Despite the title, this really is a low key very friendly competition and a chance for everyone to try several events – sprint, middle distance, long jump, turbo javelin or shot. The boys and girls from Mullingar Harriers will compete alongside athletes from the other Clubs in Westmeath against Clubs from Laois, Longford and Offaly. If you ran in the Westmeath Indoors and enjoyed it, you’re in for a treat on Friday evening as it will be just as much fun.
There is no pre-selection – just turn up and compete. This is an ideal competition for our younger athletes and newcomers and we expect to see all our younger Club members take part. It’s an Inter-County competition, so no need to worry if you don’t have a Club vest, but wear one if you have one or any maroon and white top. Finally, remember 5mm spikes or runners only on the track in Tullamore.
International duty for Oisin Lane
This Sunday, Oisin Lane will compete in the junior men 10k walk at the European Race Walking Cup in Alytus, Lithuania. This is Oisin’s debut at junior level in his first major championship and everyone at the Club wishes him the very best of luck.
Leinster Schools T&F
We wish the very best of luck to our underage Club members that will be competing for their Schools and Colleges this week at the Leinster Schools T&F Championships in Santry, all looking to qualify for the All-Ireland Schools Finals in Tullamore in early June.
Leinster T&F entries
We’re continuing to collect entries for the underage Leinster T&F Championships in June, so if you wish to compete, please take an entry form and return it to the Club by the due date. Parents of younger members in particular might make sure their child collects an entry form. The cost of entries is high, so check that you will be available on the day and please only ask to be entered if you will actually compete.
For the latest results, news and details of all upcoming fixtures check the Club’s website at www.mullingarharriers.com. You can also follow what is happening at the Club on our Facebook page.
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