Top field expected for Jack O’Keeffe Road race

SOME of the South West Region’s foremost athletes are expected to participate in the popular Jack O’Keeffe Boherbue to Kiskeam 4 Mile Road Race on Easter Monday at 2pm.

The 30th hosting will allow a top class field compete in the featured senior mens category, Mallow based race co-ordinator Jack O’Keeffe and a native of Kiskeam indicates the staging will accommodate some of the best road runners from Cork, Kerry and throughout Munster.

Last year, there was no stopping East Cork’s Michael Harty on lighting up the hosting to halt the intentions of club colleague Michael Harty from grabbing a third consecutive victory.

Previously, Mark Hanrahan (Leevale) delivered a record breaking time in 2014, that followed local hopeful Ed Murphy going one better than runner up on four previous occasions.

Earlier Muldovian Sibano Ciobanu emerged a clear-cut and popular victor in perfect to land a number of titles.

From the ladies equivalent, previous winner Michelle Finn Olympian and European cross country bronze medallist has taken a number of titles on her home tarmac.

Earlier Marie McCarthy representing Farranfore Main Valley stepped up to the plate to win and succeed previous winners Laura Crowe (Riocht) and Carol Finn (Leevale).

Gneeveguilla AC are promoting the programme sponsored by a great athletics stalwart in Jack O’Keeffe and its staging on the traditional Bank Holiday Easter Monday promises to attracts huge numbers.

Men’s prizes are available for the top ten finishers across the line with first, second and third awarded in the under 15 to over 65 age categories. For the ladies, the top six will be credited with prizes as will first, second and third in the U15 to over 50 disciplines. Overall, a full compliment of prizes are on offer for men’s and ladies senior, junior, vets and wheelchair.

The diverse proceedings are underway in Kiskeam at 12.30pm with juvenile Races catering for under 5 to under 14 boys and girls.

Changing facilities are available in Kiskeam Community Centre before the premier 4 Mile Road Race departs Boherbue Co-Op at 2pm and finishes in Kiskeam.

Meanwhile, Liscarroll Athletic Club will hold their annual Easter 5km Fun Run at Doneraile Park on Good Friday commencing at 7pm. Skip, hop, trot, walk or run; Easter Goodies will be up for grabs as will be spot prizes.