Cork captain launches Murphy Cup for Duhallow AC 5km classic

A DATE for the diary is the Duhallow AC 5K Classic Road Race hosted in Newmarket Town on Sunday, December 18 at 1pm.

Traditionally one of the top races in the end of year calendar, organisers are hopeful of the staging retaining its popular attraction for participants from across North Cork and beyond.

And the winner of the 2016 will avail of a brilliant new possession on offer, the Jer Murphy Perpetual Cup.

At a formal launch in Newmarket, All Ireland winning Cork Ladies Football captain Ciara O’Sullivan was on hand to lend support to the staging.

“Let’s hope there is a great turn out. The organisers are putting in a big effort and no doubt they will leave no stone unturned towards a successful staging,” said Ciara.

Duhallow AC Chairman Donie Shine spoke of the popular event that will now be enhanced by a coveted silverware.

“Big Jer is a great man and loyal servant of Duhallow AC and to donate this silverware adds prestige to the big race. In recent years, we have based the classic in Newmarket and it’s met with an overwhelming response,” he said. “The Newmarket Road race is now renowned as one of the big attractions just ahead of Christmas. Its very much a compact race, out the Rockchapel road and returning over the same route makes it appealing.”

One of the high profile road races in the South West region,

Cork Ladies Football captain Ciara O’Sullivan pictured at the launch of the Ger Murphy Perpetual Cup to be presented to the winner of the Duhallow 5k Road Classic. Included are Caroline O’Sullivan, Lisa Quirke Cashman, Noelle Foley Treacy, Jerry Twohig, Susan Looney, Donie Shine, Michael Murphy, Jerry Twomey, Shane Browne and John Sexton. Picture John Tarrant

apart from the individual prizes, there are five team categories that’s attractive to clubs. Preceding the big race is a walk from 12 noon and the word from organisers is for participants to arrive in ample time and sign on at Hourigan’s.