Debut joy for McInerney on Annaverna
POC Fada rookie James McInerney negotiated Annaverna like a seasoned veteran to clinch the M Donnelly All-Ireland title on Saturday afternoon.
The Clare man edged out Brian Connaughton of Westmeath and nine-time winner Brendan Cummins in a thrilling finale.
McInerney had just 20 metres to spare on Connaughton, with Cummins 24 metres further back, thus denied six-in-a-row and a tenth title in all.
Competing in the event for the very first time, McInerney was helped along by young Davy Ryan, son of his clubmate Christy Ryan, who is a close associate of competition sponsor Martin Donnelly.
McInerney said: ‘I had Christy Ryan’s son, Davy, with me. He knows the course very well and I had another ‘spotter’, my girlfriend Carol. I couldn’t have had two better people with me.
‘It was a phenomenal marathon, I’m delighted with the win. It’s a tough competition in tough conditions. I set out to win it and I did.’
Cummins set the early pace and led McInerney by a shot at the first turn and half-way, but the Clare man had moved slightly ahead by the time they reached An Gabhlán, the third turning point.
There was high drama as Cummins cleared a famous, treacherous ravine on the home straight but undaunted, McInerney emulated that feat on his way to victory.
McInerney, who was confident of success before the final, is already looking forward to defending his title in 2017.
‘I’ll be back. I can’t wait actually, I really enjoyed it. The weather was with us. I hadn’t a bad lie all day, only two showers of rain. I can’t complain.
‘Davy Fitz was the last Clare man to win this in 2002. I was aware of it – it’s great to emulate him as well.’
Meanwhile, Cork’s Aoife Murray claimed the senior ladies title, finishing with 27 pocs and 68 metres.
That was good enough to fend off the challenge of fellow Corkonian Lyndsey Connell, who was 33 metres further back. Dublin’s Faye McCarthy finished in third place on 27 pocs and 19 metres.
In the U16 events, Offaly’s Cathal Kiely and Galway’s Sarah Healy were crowned champions.
Kiely followed in the footsteps of his brother Cillian, a two-time winner, with a score of 22 pocs and 76 metres, as Healy posted 28 pocs and 30 metres to retain her title.