Kerry athletes bound for Duhallow 5k classic

KERRY runners look ahead to the popular Duhallow Athletic Club 5km Classic promises a record number of entries for the Newmarket showpiece on Sunday commencing at 1pm.

Members of the Irish team that competed in last weekend’s European cross country championships in Holland including Michelle Finn (Leevale) are likely to return in a bid to repeat terrific past successes at the popular Duhallow staging.

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.

The winner of the 2018 will avail of the Jer Murphy Perpetual Cup.

Duhallow AC Chairman Donie Shine spoke of the popular event that is enhanced by coveted silverware donated by an outstanding athlete, winner of six Co. Senior Cross-Couutry Championship titles and runner-up in the International Ras na Eireann. And as part of a Millstreet team, he was amongst a quartet that landed a national 4 x 100 yard title.

“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 its met with an overwhelming response,” he said.

Amongst the winners over recent years were Ed Murphy (Gneeveguilla), Alan O’Shea (Bantry), David McCarthy (West Waterford), Colm Sheahan and Mark Hanrahan (Leevale) with Canadian born Ben Thistlewood representing Leevale is the defending holder after bettering Mike Carmody (An Brú), Tim O’Connor (Riocht) and Michael Herlihy (North Cork) and Ed Dunleavy (Sligo).

Likewise, another top class entry is expected for the ladies field in the aftermath of cracking outcomes over the years that included wins for USA based Michelle Scott Murphy from Carrig Na bhFear, former world cross country team medallist Valerie Vaughan from Blarney/Inniscarra, versatile Olympian and former national senior cross country champion Rosemary Ryan (Bilboa), Mary Sweeney (St Finbarrs), Orla Drumn (UCC), Finn and Laura Crowe (Riocht).

Senior race organisers are Donie Shine (086-8149970), Ger Murphy (029-60719) and Jerry Twomey (086-8050821.

Munster GAA Award winners for 2018 at the awards ceremony in Fota Island Resort in Cork last weekend including Kerry’s Sean O’Shea (Senior Footballer of the Year), Donal O’Sullivan (Under 20 Footballer of the Year), and Paul Walsh (Minor Footballer of the Year)