Three-in-a-row for Carraig na bhFear AC in East Cork Roads
The annual East Cork Road Championships in Ballynoe is one of the key dates in the calendar for Carraig na bhFear AC, undoubtedly one of the more difficult courses in Cork with the management of the infamous hill often a deciding factor in the placings.
On Thursday 25th our club had a typically strong showing with a good sprinkling of athletes in both squads making their championship debut. As is tradition, the women’s race over 3k was the opening race and what a competitive competition it was with just 4 points separating the first four teams. Carraig na bhFear were
led home by Faye O’Riordan in 4th place overall with Siobhan Walsh in 12th place, followed
by Cliona Lynch, Laura Moore and Orla Coffey packing well together and Orlaith Merritt in close pursuit. Unfortunately, they were the team who had to settle for the dreaded 4th place with 31 points, despite such a strong performance from the team but such was the tightness of the margins on the night.
THEY BRING IT HOME
Our men’s team were bidding for a 3rd victory in a row but knew they would have it all to do to retain the title, there is a prestigious roll of honour in the individual standings so competition is always intense but in a relaxed atmosphere.
The race plan was tried and tested; Timmy Hawkins battled it out at the head of the field with Willie Walsh using his wealth of experience in the race to pace the pack through the opening laps and setting up the final push in the closing stages. Timmy did the business, pushing through to take 4th place with Tadgh Crowley (10th), Joseph Daly (11th) and Brian Hawkins (12th ) completing the scoring. Darragh O’Keeffe (14th) and Willie Walsh (15th) were influential in taking points from the chasing teams and a score of 37 points was enough for victory over host club St Catherines in 2nd and East Cork in 3rd. Completing the impressive total of 10 athletes in our men’s squad were Peter Hawkins, Richard Hawkins, Dave Mullins and Dave O’Riordan.
Congratulations to everyone involved, the team effort is testament to the hard work put in during the winter period, despite leading busy lives the group has supported each other in getting the miles done on a weekly basis.
SURF, TURF N’ TAR
This race took place slightly earlier this year but was again blessed with gorgeous weather. The race is a challenging mix
ture of road, trail and sand in the picturesque setting of Roscarberry. Faye O’Riordan was an impressive 14th overall from 623 finishers over the 10k distance, finishing as 2nd female and 1st Junior in a time of 44:23. Dave O’Riordan was 1st M55 in 49:52, congratulations to Faye and Dave!
LOOK AHEAD
Our members were out in force this week in support of the Carraig na bhFear GAA 5k which took place in the village on Wednesday, 1st May. Training as usual for the upcoming South Munster schools and county track and field competitions.