European athletes to figure in Duhallow AC 5k
THE popular Duhallow Athletic Club 5km Classic promises a record number of entries for the Newmarket showpiece on Sunday commencing at 1pm.
Members of the Irish team that competed in last weekend’s European cross country championships in Italy Michelle Finn (Leevale) and Laura Crowe (Riocht) are likely to return in a bid to repeat terrific past successes at the popular Duhallow staging.
Traditionally one of the top races in the end of year calendar, organisers are hopeful of the staging retaining its popular attraction for participants from across North Cork and beyond. The winner of the 2016 will avail of a brilliant new possession on offer, the Jer Murphy Perpetual Cup.
Duhallow AC Chairman Donie Shine spoke of the popular event that will now be enhanced by coveted silverware donated by an outstanding athlete, winner of six Co. Senior Cross Couutry Championship titles and runner up in the International Ras na Eireann. And as part of a Millstreet team, he was amongst a quartet that landed a national 4 x 100 yard title.
“Big Jer is a great man and loyal servant of Duhallow AC and to donate this silverware adds prestige to the big race. In recent years, we have based the classic in Newmarket and its met with an overwhelming response,” he said.
Amongst the winners over recent years were Ed Murphy (Gneeveguilla), Alan O’Shea (Bantry), David McCarthy (West Waterford), Colm Sheahan and Mark Hanrahan (Leevale).
Likewise, another top class entry is expected for the ladies field in the aftermath of cracking outcomes over the years that included wins for USA based Michelle Scott Murphy from Carrig Na bhFear, former world cross country team medallist Valerie Vaughan from Blarney/Inniscarra, versatile Olympian and former national senior cross-country champion Rosemary Ryan (Bilboa), Mary Sweeney (St Finbarrs), Orla Drumn (UCC), Finn and Crowe.
Kanturk native Finn sampled success in 2012/14 and the 2016 Olympian will be assured of a warm reception in Duhallow heartland as will defending holder Crowe.
“We’ve a tough task to repeat the outstanding success of previous quality fields and hopefully the weather will be favourable. Plans for this season’s race were set in motion a number of months ago,” said Donie Shine, Chairman of the host Duhallow AC club.
Race headquarters is at Hourigan’s, High Street, a short distance from the race start near Safari’s on the Kanturk road that takes the field through the town centre, out the Rockchapel road and a return to finish at the Sarah Curran Memorial Statue close to the town centre.
Included on the programme are category prizes in senior, vets, junior and U-16 age categories with five team prizes on offer. For those interested in a non competitive aspect, a fun walk operates from 12 noon.