Ciobanu first in Boherbue to Kiskeam Road Race
INTERNATIONAL athletes Sergiu Ciobanu emerged a clearcut and popular victor in the Jack O’Keeffe Boherbue to Kiskeam 4 Mile Roadrace staged in ideal conditions on Easter Monday.
On this occasion there was no stopping the Clonliffe Harriers clubman on lighting up the hosting to grab outright victory from an impressive field. No stranger to the venue, the Muldovian native had set a course record in 2009 only for it to be smashed by Mark Harnrahan three years ago.
Ciobanu was always well placed in the 30th staging of the event promoted by Gneeveguilla AC, taking the initiative to assume a narrow grip at the close of the opening mile.
Amongst those in the chasing pack were former winners James McCarthy, Tim O’Donoughue (East Cork) and Alan O’Shea along with David Mansfield (Clonliffe Harrriers), Trim O’Connor (Riocht) and Anthony Mannix (Duhallow).
However, by the half way stage Ciobanu had more than doubled his advantage. Ultimately, matters turned out to be very much a one man affair. Hanrahan maintained the momentum of an all out onslaught to pull away and cruise home impressively in a time of 19 minutes, 18 seconds.
A terrific battled unfolded for the minor positions, McCarthy getting up to secure runner up place, 36 seconds behind Hanrahan with McCarthy edging out O’Shea for third position.
Ciobanu had entered the fray in good form and is looking ahead to the season.
“It’s nice to return here to win as a fast pace developed from the start. The opening mile was tricky but I was always confident of my ability. Looking ahead, I’m planning to participating in a series of marathons,” he said.
In the senior ladies, Carol Finn (Leevale) took the premier prize and scorched home impressively with Sharon Cahill (Riocht) and Sharon Woods (Mallow) filling runner up and third placing respectively.
Supplementing the extensive programme was a series of juvenile races hosted in Kiskeam with record entries and adding to the enjoyment for patrons was a cultural feast of music and craic in the staging of the Maurice O’Keeffe Traditional Festival.
Men: (1) S Ciobanu (Clonliffe Harriers) 19.18; (2) J McCarthy (East Cork) 19.54; (3) A O’Shea (Bantry) 19.58; (4) T O’Donoughue (East Cork) 20.11; (5) D Mansfield (Clonliffe Harriers) 20.15; (6) T O’Connor (Riocht) 20.36; (7) A Mannix (Duhallow) 20.59; (8) J Doran (Riocht) 21.08.
Ladies: (1) C Finn (Leevale) 23.37; (2) S Cahill (Riocht) 25.31; (3) S Woods (Mallow (25.55).