Not for the first time over the past year St. Finians Park was the centre of attention in the Clonard community on Wednesday evening when over 300 participants, from age eight to eighty, took part in the club’s second annual 4-mile road race, fun-run and community walk.
This event might be in its infancy but it’s sure to continue for many years to come based on the wonderful atmosphere, smiles, and laughter that it generates on the first Wednesday in August. All the preparatory work was completed with teams of local volunteers assigned to registration, parking, traffic, catering and facilities.
The race itself shot off five minutes past the official start time of 7.30pm as the traffic crew and local Garda Siochana representatives ensured the route was safe and ready. Despite the rain earlier in the day the only water that participants were exposed to was at the half way mark and finish line, and it came in the shape of plastic cups and bottles being very gratefully accepted on both occasions.
It took just 20 minutes and 18 seconds for the first man to make his way back to the finish line at the Park gates when Cillian O’Leary from Raheny Shamrocks claimed first prize. A super time for a distance of almost six and a half kilometres. He was followed in second place shortly afterwards, fifty seconds to be exact, by Celbridge man Stephen Conroy, another well-known and popular runner in the racing community. In third place was the youngest of the top three as 21-year-old Dublin native Dylan Keegan crossed the line in 21 minutes 26 seconds.
The first female finisher had made a lot shorter journey to join our race as local lady Maud-Annie Foley claimed the prize of top female finisher in a time of 24 minutes 14 seconds. It was a super run by the athletic Kinnegad youngster with plenty of stiff competition not very far behind her. In those two positions immediately after Maud’s first place were Joan Flynn of Mullingar Harriers and Ellen Vitting of Trim Athletic Club in second and third place respectively. A super time by all three ladies.
In the over 40’s category Gerard Gavin from Mullingar took first place in the male category (5th overall in a time of 22m21s) while first over 40 female was Tara Johnston from Donadea Athletic Club in 26m39s. Second place in over 40’s were Kieran Nolan (23m11s) and Siobhan McCarthy (30m08s). In the over 50’s category the male winner and 6th overall was Eddie Newman (22m35s) from Mullingar with his female equivalent first place finisher being Imelda Clarke (27s42m). Imelda was a very popular prize winner in her home club as she proudly claimed her first place finish. The final competitive category was the over 60’s group where David Purdom in a time of 31m18s and Ann O’Toole (41m38s) claimed male and female first position. All runners will surely aim for a time like this when they reach this experienced category.
In the non-competitive categories the first Clonard GAA member home was Lar Martin in a time of 26 minutes and 13 seconds. A short run for the marathon man but a great time. The first male and female Clonard GAA underage players to finish were Alan Hannon and Kirsten Massey, it should stand them well for their upcoming games in the blue and amber jersey. Well done to them and their proud parents.
But this event will not be remembered for race times or positions, categories or prizes, but instead for it’s great organisation, community spirit, volunteering, and the positive atmosphere and goodwill that it generates. All those in attendance could then relax and enjoy the superb catering spread provided by the local parents as the buns will be also be remembered fondly! Events like this seem to bring out the best in people with smiles and laughter evident all around the small South Meath village. Well done to everyone involved as we look forward once again to the first Wednesday in August next year. Buíochas ó chroí le gach duine.
Click here for the full list of finishers and times on popupraces.ie
