Home favourite Toner edged out by McCluskey at Glenmore
WHEN the fog lifted, the sun came out to replace it, just in time for the fourth annual Glenmore Challenge on Saturday last, which saw 172 runners finish the tough, hilly but picturesque route.
Brian McCluskey and Shane Toner led the field through the townlands of Castletown Cooley, Benagh, Aghmeen and Corrakit, to name but a few.
McCluskey (North East Runners) pipped Glenmore’s Toner at the finish, Glenmore AC hot on his heels followed by Raymond Coogan of North East Runners in third.
The first woman home was Nicola Flanagan, Blaney Rockets, followed by Maire Hegarty and Laura Matthews (North East Runners). Karen Caldwell (North East Runners) was first female Over-40, whilst Ciaran Reilly (Liffey Valley AC) won the Over- 40 male category. Maree Dowling (Rush) and Gerry O’Connell won the Over-50 categories and the Over-60 prizes went to Nuala Reilly (Drogheda & District) and Michael Kirk-Smith.
North East Runners won the female team prize with Laura Matthews, Karen Caldwell, Aine McBride and Melanie Hearty, ahead of City of Lisburn AC.
Glenmore AC’s men won their team event thanks to Shane Toner, Paul Savage, Martin Toner and Ciaran Walsh. North East runners - Brian McCluskey, Raymond Coogan, Liam Fergus and Colm Hearty - were second.
Glenmore’s other contenders were Ronan Callan, Fiona McQuade, Lloyd Byrne, Tony Elmore, Shane Arnold, John Doyle, Michael McShane, Kinga Byrne, Ali McEnhill, Aidan Gallagher, Stephen O’Connor, Gavin Byrne, Katie Bell, Rose White, Barry Woods and Noel Sweeney.
Glenmore would like to thank sponsors Greenore Port & Carton Die and the Red Cross for providing an invaluable service, together with mile sponsors Barrys Shop, Aidan McCoy-loss assessors, O’Connor Roofing Lordship, Top Omeath Fuels, Gerry Rice Animal Pregnancy scanning, Appletree Dental Care, Aislings hairdressers Omeath, O’Neill Plant Hire, Visit Carlingford & and Brendan Reids, and spot prize sponsors Cooley Mens Sheds, Riinas Italian restaurant Carlingford, Skypark, LIDL food vouchers and Fyffes fruit.
Glenmore, who will make a donation to the Maria Goretti charity for their wonderful work, would also like to thank the catering crew, water stop helpers, photographers, stewards, medal
makers and givers, sign makers from the local schools, the Hall crew (some of whom travelled from as far away as Cork), Tommy Neary, our starter, Mary and Sean McGeown who are always there on the day, those who erected and dismantled signs, the Booze Brothers and Anne who entertained the weary runners, local residents who made their land available for parking and provided a stage for the band, and all those who came out to cheer on the runners.
The club’s next event is the 5km Carlingford Road Race on 4th August - details on www. glenmoreac.com and Glenmore’s FB page.
On Saturday last a small but determined group of young athletes travelled to Tullamore Harriers stadium to compete in the Leinster U9-11 pairs and U12 and 13 track and field champion- ship. Katie Mc Donald and Emma Mc Carragher finished 3rd in the U10 pairs turbo javelin, Jessica White and Katie Mc Donald finshed 6th in the U10 60m sprint, while Emma & Jessica tried hard in the U10 500m.
Lucy White and Chloe Mc Carragher represented the club in the individual U12 events. Lucy took silver in the U12 60m from a large field of 75 and Chloe finished in the top 8 in the shot putt. Lucy White took a second silver medal representing Louth in the Leinster inter county U13 Relay team.
Katie Mc Donald also took gold, forming part of the Louth U11 relay team.
The girls now progress to the All Ireland Finals.
Juvenile training continues on Tuesdays at 7pm at Bush Track. For more details see www. glenmoreac.com.