O’Connor and Hickey hit winning ways at Millstreet 5

RIOCHT athlete Tim O’Connor and Martina Hickey (St. Finbarrs) justified the favourites tag to continue some outstanding form from Millstreet AC stagings to land the Willie Neenan Memorial 5-mile Road Race.

A large field adjusted to a favourable course and a welcoming breeze, the race acknowledging the memory of Mr. Millstreet in athletics who delivered lifetime to the sport for more than 60 years. And a great friend, Fr. Paddy Byrne, former US coach donated a magnificent perpetual Cup won by him at the famous Banteer Sports in 1955.

To meet demand, the 2016 race covered a 5-mile course over the picturesque Glebe route. Again a fancied O’Connor delivered a competent performance, turning on the style from the outset to deny John O’Connell (Leevale) and Cork Marathon runner up Eoin Sugrue.

O’Connor’s latest win adds to a consistent run of success in recent weeks over the track circuit. The Kerry native led the field away under the watchful eye of Banteer’s own Sugrue and Cullen native O’Connell. And when required, O’Connor held that extra degree of stamina on emerging to the fore and stormed clear to win in an impressive 25.56, a worthy 35 seconds ahead of O’Connell with Sugrue placed third.

Martina Kiely (St. Finbarrs) charted a safe path before her home support to take the senior ladies category. Kiely followed up to complete a four in a row of Millstreet titles on her home patch in front of packed streets with Nicola Roe (Leevale) in runner up position and Aoife Carroll from Mallow placed third.

“It was great to return and complete another Millstreet win. This is a special race for me, Willie Neenan was my coach earlier in career, he had a huge influence and I’m just delighted to return and win this latest staging,” she said.

Olympic bound athlete Michelle Finn attended, the recipient of a presentation from organisers, while mum Mary, a Millstreet native, came first in the vets class.