O’Connor saunters home in Meelin Road Race
TIM O’Connor (Riocht) justified the favourites tag on capturing the Meelin 4 Mile Road Race hosted in conjunction with the Twomey Memorial Festival.
No stranger to the highest village in Ireland, O’Connor displayed his liking for Duhallow runs on chalking up another victory to his list of conquests. Straight from the off, the Riocht clubman laid down a marker to tackle challenging terrain.
Also in contention were Willie O’Connor (Galtee Runners), Conor Lucey (Macroom) and Aaron O’Keeffe (Duhallow). At the head of the field, there was no stopping Tim O’Connor, extending his hand to cross the finishing line in 21 mins, 32 seconds.
With no qualms about the merits of the winner to be ahead of his nearest rival by more than three minutes, the main attention centred on the runner placings. Here, Lucey got the second position, ahead of the Mitchelstown based Willie O’Connor in third place and Kanturk boxer O’Keeffe filling fourth position.
From the ladies, another impressive winner, Gillan Murphy (Star of the Laune) defended her title successfully to claim victory from Denise Quilter (Millstreet) and Kim Nyhan (Eagle) claiming the runner up positions.
From a marvellous convening of sporting activity, Meelin emerged a hive of recreation, proceedings began with an U-12 Hurling blitz followed by a Table Quiz.
Day two opened with a 55/110m cycle from Rockchapel, some of the participants followed up to tackle the 4 mile Run in Meelin.
Apart from the competitive run, individuals and families walked the picturesque route.
Proceeds from the staging went to worthy causes, namely Bru Columbanus, Cork; St. Joseph’s Foundation, Charleville; Reach Out Mental Health; 3T’s Suicide Prevention and Cork Samaritans. 4-Mile Road Race result Mens (1) T O’Connor (Riocht) 21.32; (2) C Lucey (Macroom) 24.42, (3) W O’Connor (Galtee Runners) 24.58; (4) A O’Keeffe (Duhallow) 26.38, (5) T O’Riordan (Cobh) 27.22; (6) F Barry (Gneeveguilla) 28.01; (7) C Downes (Doneen) 28.21; (8) C Hartnett (Boherbue) 28.22, (9) G Collins (Abbeyfeale) 28.27, (10) E Egan (Kerry Crusaders) 28.27.
Ladies: (1) G Murphy (Star of the Laune) 27.20; (2) D Quilter (Millstreet) 28.34; (3) K Nyhan (Eagle) 30.10.