Busy weekend

It was a very busy weekend for Grange Fermoy AC athletes, with three events taking place, and many of our members competing.

CLONAKILTY WATERFRONT MARATHON AND HALF MARATHON

It can only be said that Saturday, November 27 was a bitterly cold day, but this didn’t stop approximately 425 athletes competing in the full marathon, and 925 taking part in the half marathon, after leaving home probably at the crack of dawn, as the race lined up at 9am!

Everyone was just thankful that the sun was shining, and it didn’t rain! We had three excellent runners in the full marathon, with John Murphy finishing 1st in his O50 category (8th overall) in a great time of 2.55.06, Conor Bartley 2nd in the O50 category (23rd overall), and Peter O’Brien 120th overall in 3.39.05. In the half marathon we had three of our female athletes, these being Helena Corcoran finishing in 2.12.36, Angela O’Mahony 2.33.15, and Maggie Dunne finishing in 2.59.19 with 3rd in the O70 category.

This Clonakilty event is so well organised, with beautiful scenery, plenty of stewards and marshals along the way and everyone seemed very happy to finish what is actually a tough old run. So well done all round, and thanks to the organisers and helpers on the day.

GREAT GLENVILLE 4 MILE ROAD RACE

It was lovely to see this race back on the calendar, now that some of the Covid restrictions have been lifted, and Watergrasshill AC put on a great event on Sunday, November 28. Grange Fermoy AC put in a fine team of athletes all glad to be out and about in a race again.

Leading our side home was Kealan O’Connor - 23.27, Michaél Walsh - 24.36 (1st Junior), Rachel Walsh - 25.32, Michael Ennis - 26.57, Joan Ennis - 27.06, Ashleigh Byrne O’Brien - 28.47, Eileen Finn - 29.10, Ronan McDonnell - 29.46, Francie Morrisson - 29.50, Geraldine Hartnett - 31.09, Josephine Grumbridge - 31.16, Helena

Corcoran -35.15 (2nd race of the weekend), Sinead Cotter - 35.27, Mary-Clare Healy - 35.47, Angela O’Mahony - 39.58 (2nd race of the weekend), Carol Ann Sheehy - 41.50, Ellie Singleton - 42.26, and Maggie Dunne - 48.33 (2nd race of the weekend).

It was slightly warmer on the Sunday, with a drop of rain here and there but nevertheless, well organised and enjoyable. Not sure whether any of our athletes got category prizes on the day, but fingers crossed. Thanks to Watergrasshill AC and all helpers on the day. Once again, soft drinks at the finish were supplied by MYND, and very nice they are too.

MUNSTER MASTERS CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS

Sunday, November 28 saw our hardened cross country fanatics head off to Clarecastle for the Munster Masters. In the female 4km Clotilde Fitzgibbon gained 2nd O50 and silver in the Cork team in 16.07, Marina Seymour 17.28 and 33rd overall, Claire Lomasney 21.28 44th overall. In the male 7km Liam O’Connor finished in 25.48 in 14th position and gold Cork team, David Greene 27.13, John Hartnett 28.00, Brian O’Connor 29.08, Conor McElvaney 29.31, and Maurice Tobin 2nd O70. Congratulations to everyone.

GRANGE FERMOY AC 10KM RACE

Just a reminder that our 10km race is on 31st December, commencing 12 midday, at Grange School. The race is kindly sponsored by Kepak, and everyone is welcome to come along and run. All participants will receive a souvenir beanie hat. We look forward to welcoming you to our race.