The inaugural running of the Mell mini marathon
On Sunday last the inaugural running of the Mell Mini Marathon (6 miles exactly) took place.
Starting at Mell Church the route went to Upper Mell out through Dry Bridge on to the Obleisk winding its way up the mile long climb of King William’s Glen to Tullyallen, out to the Collon Road down to Waterunder and back to Mell Church.
The race itself attracted members from registered athletic clubs GAA clubs, Para Plegics, the Medical Missionary of Mary, factories and business houses and those who just like to run for fun or even walk.
At the serious end of the race Lourdes A.C. proved once again how strong they are when it comes to team running. Although the individual winner Eamon McMahon of Dealgan AC has sixteen seconds to spare over Liam Reilly Lourdes AC had six finishers in the first eight to easily win the team award. John Walsh was 3rd Stan Woods Ardee 4th, Michael Maher 5th, Chris Duffy 6th, Richard Duffy 7th Kieran Quigley 8th, Tom Sharkey 9th and Snane Mulroy 10th. ThIs was a very good run by Shane in a time of 34 mins. 49.8 sees. Incidently the next two home were Patrick Kelly, Blackrock and his guide Tony Guest also Blackrock. Patrick is blind and his time of 35 minutes 4 sees is astonishing to say the least. Tony incidentally guided Pat is chairman of the Louth BLE County Board. Well done Tony.
The first lady finisher was Helen Callaghan (pictured) of Star of Sea in 29th position followed by Rose Owens, Blackrock 36th and Mrs. Anna Mulroy 64th overall. Other ladies to finish well up were Joan Cahill Valerie Belton, Julie Matthews, Rose Murray, Agnes Griffin, Sr. Rose Mary Mohan MMM, Sr. Margaret Okooboh MMM, Sr. Veronica Tarpey MMM, St. Una Ni Riain MMM and Joan Halton with her sister Patti.
Oliver Plunkets wop the GAA team awards section Ovelle, Dundealgan won the Fr. Donegan Shield for the Businesss houses team and as stated earlier AC won the team award for registered athletes. Each competitor to finish received a beautiful gold medalion, inscribed Mell Mini Marathon 1984.
All prizes were presented by Dermot Kierans of DK Agencies.
Mell residents committee Oliver Plunkets GFC, and Lourdes AC wish to thank all who took part in making this a very successful day and also to all those who sponsored the beautiful prizes. A special thanks goes to Rev. Fr. Jude OFM for the use of the . St. Josephs school and to the Gardai who patrolled the race. Considering the huge entry it was a pleasure to see that the traffic was practically unaffected, thanks to the Order of Malta.