This article is from page 87 of the 2007-03-13 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 87 JPG
THE ADARE 10k road race organ- ised by West Limerick Athletic Club was held in dreadful weather condi- tions over the weekend. Despite this, over 200 athletes went to the starting line.
There were outstanding perform- ances from a number Clare athletes. Loretta Duggan, St Mary’s, last years title holder came home in a very good third position in the senior ladies with last years runner-up taking the title in 41.48mins. Marian Burke, St Mary’s, was fourth, Siobhan Lennon, Ennis Track, fifth, and Deirdre Daly, Ennis Track, was sixth. The team t1- tle went to St Mary’s.
Jason Fahy, Olympic Harriers, made a big return after being out with a shoulder injury to finish sec- ond with victory going to Cian Mur- phy, Iveragh, in 32.29mins.
GSE Te eka elroy E verre Koe corded a great victory in the masters
ladies O45 with another Clare ath- lete, Maura Falsey, Kilmurry Ibrick- ane/North Clare, second.
In the masters men O50 Michael Harvey, Kilmurry Ibrickane/North Clare, ran a fine race to finish second with victory going to Gerard Mul- lane, Bilboa.
Clare athletes were well represent- ed in this very big field. The heavy rain at the start made running con- ditions very difficult. Paul Buckley, Ferbane, County Offaly, led the big field out over the first 5k with Cian Murphy, Iveragh, and Jason Fahy in close contact. This was always going to a battle of the fittest in these test- ing conditions.
Brian Murphy, Marian, along with Thomas Walsh and James Murphy, Tulla, were running very well and coming through the field as it entered into the final three miles. At the four mile mark Cian Murphy was mak- ing his presence felt as he began to take over the lead with Fahy right
on his shoulder. Over the final mile the Kerry man pulled away on the slight uphill stretch to claim victory in 32.29mins. Fahy ran very well to take second in 32.39mins with third place going to Paul Buckley in 32.44mins. Brian Murphy, Marian, finished 11th in 34.04mins.
The O50 title went to Gerard Mul- lane, Bilboa, in 36.49mins. A close second was Michael Harvey, Kil- murry Ibrickane/North Clare, in 37.28mins. Third was Dermot Mo- ran, St Mary’s, in 43.24mins.
The Clare ladies were very much to the fore with Tracy Roche, Dooneen, last years runner-up, going into bat- tle with Loretta Duggan, St Mary’s, last years title holder Catherine Con- way, Limerick.
Over the first two miles these three were well in control at the front with Marian Burke, St Mary’s, running her first 1Ok road race, leading the next chasing group that included Siobhan Lennon and Deirdre Daly,
Ennis Track, with St Mary’s packing well for the team contest with Hillary Cunningham also in the top 20.
The final 5k of this race developed into a great contest. Tracy Roche be- gan to take a slight lead on Loretta Duggan with Catherine Conway coming under pressure in third spot. Over the final mile it was anybodys race. Roche, with the wind at her back, upped the tempo and crossed the finishing line to take the title in 41.48mins with Catherine Conway coming with late burst to take second spot in 42.34mins.
Loreta Duggan was a very close third in 42.39mins and they were followed home by Marian Burke, St Mary’s, with fifth, Siobhan Lennon, and sixth, Deirdre Daly.
St Mary’s packed well to capture the team title with Loretta Duggan, Marian Burke and Hillary Cunning- ham clocking a total of 39points. Second were Limerick Country Club on 59points.