Valentia Island Hardman Half Marathon
This event was held on Saturday, 16th April last, and is probably Ireland’s most scenic half marathon and 10km road race. Valentia Island is a very beautiful and scenic spot, and on the day of the race we were able to see the lovely sights, but unfortunately it was very windy and cold! You can only congratulate the athletes who turned out for the half marathon, and accompanying 10km race, for braving the conditions. Grange Fermoy had two competitors in the half marathon, and these were Angela O’Mahony, who loves to drive long distance, and Maggie Dunne. Both enjoyed the race and posted not too bad times of 2.40.12 for Angela and 2.52.35 for Maggie. The Knightstown Hotel was the place to go after the race, and all in all it was a very well organised and enjoyable adventure. Congratulations to all competitors and to the organisers It was worth the trip.
OTHER EASTER RACES
Doneraile Park was a busy spot on Easter weekend with two 5k races on the same day! The first one was organised by Liscarroll AC on Saturday at 11am and the second one was more of a fun one organised by Doneraile Golf Club and was on just after at 12 noon. At the Liscarroll 5k, five of our members toed the line with another 65 runners and all ran a very good race. Congratulations to all. John Murphy: 17.48, Michael Walsh: 19.03, Kealan O’Connor: 19.04, Rachael Walsh: 20.30, Darren Flynn: 20.33, At the next race Triona O’Connor who joined our couch to 5k two months ago was ready for action and completed her very first 5k! Congratulations Triona! Debbie Murphy and Triona Barry who are running under the Bridevale colours but have been joining our couch to 5k, accompanied and helped Triona along the way! Well done ladies! All our participants in our couch to 5k are progressing really well and are planning to run the Youghal 5k race on 12th May.
BALLINTOTIS 4 MILE ROAD RACE
The Ballintotis 4 mile road race is the very first weekly evening race of the year on the Cork area and it always attracts a huge number of runners. This year despite a two year absence due to Covid, the race was as popular as ever attracting over 900 people! Thanks so much to the organisers. Three of our athletes, Eithne Bermingham, John Delaney and Michael Pratt travelled to East Cork on Thursday evening and ran brilliantly. Well done guys. Hopefully this is the start of many races for us this year. John Delaney: 26.53, Michael Pratt: 33.06, Eithne Bermingham 38.10. Well done to the organisers for handling such a huge crowd of runners.