Ballyskenach 5k proves a major success as local athletes shine

Offaly Athletics News

The Ballyskenach AC 5K – the fifth round of the Buildmore Offaly 5K Road Race Series – was a resounding success last Friday evening.

The great weather undoubtedly added to the success, attracting a large number of athletes from both Offaly and surrounding counties.

The event was extremely well-organized by the host club, starting with the juvenile race at 6:30pm, which saw an impressive turnout of over 70 young athletes participating.

Following the juvenile event, registration closed for the senior event, which drew an even more remarkable crowd of 368 runners.

The 5K course took the participants through the picturesque grounds of Cistercian College in Roscrea, providing a beautiful backdrop for the race. The race concluded at Roscrea Rugby Club providing a nice fast race loop with some great times posted.

Peter Brandon Somba from Dunboyne AC emerged as the winner, finishing with an impressive time of 15:13. Michael Murphy of Tullamore Harriers secured a very close second position in 15:19, while Mick Fogarty from Ferbane AC claimed the third spot in 15:44.

The competition was fierce, with runners from various counties, including Laois, Carlow, Kildare, Westmeath, Limerick, and Tipperary, showcasing their talent in both the male and female categories.

In the women’s division, Heather Murphy from St Michael’s claimed the title of the fastest lady, completing the race in an impressive time of 17:28. Heather, who still falls under the junior age category, displayed great promise for her future in senior competitions. Lauren Dermody from Castlecomer AC was second lady in 17:58 and Sarah Flanagan of Tullamore Harriers AC was third in 18:00.

The evening was a great success, with the presentation of the Monty Franks perpetual trophies being one of the highlights. These trophies are awarded to the first male and female athletes from Ballyskenach AC to cross the finish line. This year, the winners were Thomas O’Brien and Maria Maher.

Peter Ormond, the Chairperson of Ballyskenach AC, took the opportunity to congratulate all the athletes who participated in the event, both seniors and juveniles. He expressed his appreciation for all the contributions which made the occasion a wonderful one for the club. Peter gave special mention to Anne Franks and the Franks family for their involvement in the trophy presentation.

Furthermore, Peter commended various individuals and groups for their support and assistance. He thanked the Ballyskenach AC club committee, club members, An Garda Siochana, Cistercian College Roscrea, stewards, bikers, Order of Malta, sponsors, and Pop Up Races. He also expressed gratitude towards those who provided and served refreshments, Roscrea Rugby Club for allowing the use of their facilities, the residents of Mountheaton/Ballyskenach, Donna Oakley for the photographs and Offaly Athletics for their support.

Age group winners

First O40 - Grace Reilly (Portlaoise AC, 18:19) and Stephen Hunter (St. Abban’s, 16:19).

First O45 - Denise Egan (Ferbane AC, 18:09) and Padraig Berry (Tullamore Harriers, 17:28).

First O50 - Carmel Murray (Birr AC, 20:42) and Brendan Donagher (Naomh Mhuire AC, 17:09).

First O60 - Brigid McCabe (Mullingar Harriers AC, 23:46) and Christy Donegan (Tullamore Harriers AC, 19:00).

First O70 - Ger Woods (Banagher AC, 22:45).

First Junior - Sarah Clancy (Banagher AC, 26:38) and Thomas Bergin (16:52).

Leinster Star Award for Laura

Congratulations to all the recipients of the Senior Star Awards trophies at the Leinster Track and Field Championships in Carlow last weekend. Awards were presented by Catriona Duffy Chairwoman of Athletic Leinster.

Laura Dolan of Ferbane AC was the Offaly recipient. Laura represents her club on the national stage, competing in throwing events.

She feels her greatest sporting achievement so far was setting a new national outdoor record in the Senior Women’s Weight for Distance in 2022.

She then went on to equal the national indoor record in the Senior Women’s Weight for Distance in 2023. Outside of athletics, Laura loves to travel. Laura’s award was collected by her father, John Joe Dolan who himself has dedicated many years to athletics. Congratulations Laura.

Fixtures

9th June: Naomh Mhuire AC 5k.

18th June: Jack Cox 10k – Kilcormac.

16th July: Frank Kilrane 10 Mile- Edenderry.

21st July: Rhode AC 5k.

4th August: Birr AC 5k.

26th August: Tullamore Harriers Half Marathon.