Sunshine graced our road runners over the bank holiday weekend
The BK5K (The Brendan Kinnane 5K) Annual Remembrance Run was held last Wednesday night in the village of Dundrum, Co Tipperary, hosted by Dundrum AC. A first-class event from start to finish, we had a whole host of runners take to the 8pm start line. Running home first for the club was Gerard Hanley followed by Robert Cunningham, Damien Holian, Willie O'Donoghue, Nessa Moloney winning the female junior category, Tom Dillon, Martina Moloney, Patricia Ryan claiming another 5k PB, Edel Leonard, Caroline Bourke, Julianne Dillon and Sandra Withero Kenny. Damien Holian and Willie O'Donoghue claimed the podium places in their categories.
MIDLETON 5 MILE
On Thursday night last James Fletcher was in Midleton for The Joe Hourigan Memorial 5 mile. A traditional 5 mile race over a very scenic route saw James cross the finish line in 36.27.
THE GREAT LIMERICK RUN
We had two run the Great Limerick Run marathon challenge last Sunday morning. 26.2 miles through Limerick's thoroughfare including Limerick’s city centre, University of Limerick, picturesque countryside and riverside locations.
The marathon started for Sarah Wingrove and Perry Power at the People’s Park. The course then headed via Childers Road, Rosbrien Road, Punches Close, O’Connell Avenue, Glentworth Street and Henry Street. The route then swept onto Clare Street taking in the historic Canal Bank, the University and Castletroy area was next on the sites to be visited, the superb University Campus and the Living Bridge. The marathon course then returned to the city centre along the newly upgraded Plassey Bank where the halfway point was finally reached on Parnell Street. The route then continued to Raheen, passing Old Crescent Rugby Club on the Rosbrien road then through Churchfield Meadows and Mulcair Road in Dooradoyle before returning to the city centre via Rosbrien Road.
They then crossed to the west side of the River Shannon crossing Sarsfield Bridge before turning onto O’Callaghan Strand. The route then circled the North Circular Road where it then re-joined the Ennis Road. From Union Cross on the Ennis Road they ran outbound to the Gaelic Grounds, into Brookville. Leaving from here was setting them on the final route back along the Ennis Road once again crossing Sarsfield Bridge before finishing on O’Connell Street outside the Augustinian church. Sarah Wingrove, running her first ever marathon, crossed the finish in 4.17.41 followed by Perry Power in 4.21.04.
The half marathon, 13.1 miles through a mixture of Limerick’s city centre, riverside, suburb and countryside was where Deirdre Bailey (1hr 51.49), Tom Dillon (1hr 52.30),
Mary O'Connell (2hrs 00.29), Deirdre Quish (2 hrs 02.59), Una Carew (2 hrs 21.21), Mary Moore (2 hrs 23.35), Maria Greene (2 hrs 42.28) and Padraigín Riggs (2hrs 46.52) were last Sunday morning for the Great Limerick Run half marathon. Starting at Pery Square heading to Raheen, passing Old Crescent Rugby club on the Rosbrien Road. The route travelled through Churchfield Meadow’s and Mulcair Road in Dooradoyle before returning to the city centre via Rosbrien Road. The route then crossed to the west side of the River Shannon crossing Sars
field Bridge before turning onto O’Callaghan Strand. They then circled the North Circular Road. Then from Union Cross on the Ennis Road the route travelled outbound to the Gaelic Grounds, into Brookville and then exited again at the Gaelic Grounds. Leaving from here was setting them on the final route back along the Ennis Road once again crossing Sarsfield Bridge before finishing on O’Connell Street outside the Augustinian church.
Finally, we had four runners run in the six-mile event who also took in a host of historical, cultural and sporting sites along the way.
Áine Hennessy (1hr 22.23), Sharon Kenny (1hr 26.12) John Hayes (1 hr 33.51) and
Mary Magner (1 hr 38.30) also started at Pery Square where the route then crossed to the west side of the River Shannon crossing Sarsfield Bridge before turning onto O’Callaghan Strand.
The route circled the North Circular Road where it then re-joined the Ennis Road. From Union Cross on the
Ennis Road the route travelled outbound to the Gaelic Grounds, into Brookville and then exited again at the Gaelic Grounds. Leaving from here was setting them on the final route back along the Ennis Road once again crossing Sarsfield Bridge before finishing on O’Connell Street outside the Augustinian church.
SEVEN YEARS OF REMEMBERING CURLEY
So who was Michael Curley Cunningham? Michael, more commonly known by his nickname “Curley” due to his unique hairstyle, stood out not only on account of his trademark headband but also for his humble and affable personality. To describe Curley as a gentleman would be an understatement. He was one of the few people who radiated positivity no matter where he went or who he met.
Curley was known far and wide throughout the running fraternity as he brought his infectious smile, wit and heart-warming personality with him wherever he raced. His mild-mannered disposition and his calm and serene attitude to life made him a hero to so many people throughout the country.
His other passions included
rearing prize-winning cattle, gardening and the maintenance of vintage cars and tractors. In each of these pursuits he won numerous awards. Moreover, for many years he hurled and played soccer for his local clubs with great distinction.
Throughout his illness he never became angry and always retained his upbeat outlook on life. In the early stages of his battle he continued to do what he loved doing best – running, and when he was no longer able to put on a pair of running shoes it was evident how much he missed this primal form of activity.
He may be no longer with us on this earth but the legend of “Curley” will live on in all of us. The Michael Curley Cunningham 4 Mile Remembrance Run will be held on Friday, 10th May at 7.30pm in the village of Galbally. An AAI Permitted Event. Online registration on Eventmaster. Prizes for first 3 men and women, first male and female junior plus male and female 40, 50 and 60 categories. Refreshments afterwards in the community centre.