In perfect running conditions, 180 athletes lined up for the eighth annual Tom Jordan Memorial 5-mile road race in Portlaw on Friday evening last. This race was once again kindly sponsored by O' Neill's Pharmacy, Portlaw and formed the second leg of the 2016 Outfield Sports Three Counties Challenge.
The slightly modified course produced some very fast times and personal bests for many of the participants. The downhill first mile saw three runners open up a lead on the field with Frank Quinlan (Waterford AC), Brian Murphy (Carrick AC) and Niall Sheil (St. Killians AC) leading the way through the village square and the one-mile marker. As they passed the two-mile mark, it was Brian who had pulled ahead and he continued to increase his advantage all the way to the finish, coming home in a time of 25:22. Frank Quinlan took second place ahead of Niall Sheil with Danny Smith (Ballynonty AC) in fourth place.
The ladies' race was won in fine style by Jackie Carthy (Kilmore AC) in a time of 29:21. Claire Annan (Clonmel AC) took second place with Sylvia Malone (Waterford AC) in third place.
Carrick AC would like to thank all who helped to make this such a successful event. Thanks to O' Neill's Pharmacy for once again sponsoring the race and to Alan Treacy of Outfield Sports, Carrick-on-Suir for the continued sponsorship of the overall series. Well done to the Portlaw branch of the Red Cross for their superb organisation and hard work which has made this one of the most popular events on the local road-race calendar.
A big thank-you to all of the race stewards who helped ensure the runners' safety and to all who helped with race registration, timing, results and post-race refreshments at The Forge Bar.
The third race of the series will be the Deadman's 5-miles in Carrick-on-Suir on Friday, 3rd June (7:30pm start)
Tom Jordan Memorial Winners:
Senior Men :
1. Brian Murphy (Carrick AC) 25:22 2. Frank Quinlan (Waterford AC) 25:49 3. Niall Sheil (St. Killians AC) 26:05
O/40 : David Smyth (Waterford AC) 28:45
O/45 : Ger Murray 30:00
O/50 : Pat O' Sullivan 30:11
O/55 : Walter Keane (Waterford AC) 29:19
O/60 : Derek Tebay (Waterford AC) 36:24
Team : Waterford AC (Noel Murphy, Brian Swaby and Brian Cuddihy)
Junior : Adam Walsh 37:09
Senior Ladies :
1. Jackie Carthy (Kilmore AC) 29:21 2. Claire Annan (Clonmel AC) 29:44 3. Sylvia Malone (Waterford AC) 30:06
O/35 : Mary Molloy (Carrick AC) 33:33
O/40 : Aisling Ferguson 32:41
O/45 : Maria Griffin (St. Josephs AC) 31:50
O/50 : Onra Power (West Waterford AC) 39:49
O/55 : Bernie Prendergast (West Waterford AC) 38:35
Team : St. Josephs AC ( Sally Forristal, Eileen O' Donovan and Mary Doolan)
Junior : Mia Griffin (St. Josephs AC) 37:33
There was a fantastic turnout of over 600 runners for the Brendan Kinane 5km road race in Dundrum on Wednesday evening last. The race was a fitting tribute to Brendan, who was so well known and popular with all on the road-racing circuit. Well done to Dundrum AC on their wonderful organisation of the whole evening.
The men's race was won by Kevin Moore from the host club in a time of 16:19 with Aine Roche (Clonmel AC) taking the ladies' race in 18:57. Patrick Roche (17:35) led home the Carrick AC runners. Michael O' Sullivan (18:27), James Fox (20:53) and Andrew Downey (23:46) were the other Carrick AC representatives. well done to all our runners.
Frank Quinlan (Waterford AC) and Adele Walsh (St. Senans AC) were the winners of the annual 7.5 mile race from Waterford to Tramore recently. Gerard Murphy (51:24), James Fox (52:18) Mary Molloy (52:29), Seamus Ward (54:07) and Catherine O' Donovan (65:42) al ran well in the Carrick AC colours.