New Year’s Eve race victory for Minnock

Tullamore Harriers AC News

The final Tullamore Harriers club competition of 2024 ended the year in spectacular fashion. As we celebrated the culmination of the year's activities, the torrential rain made the New Year’s Eve club race all the more unforgettable for the 37 athletes and club officials who braved the elements at 12 midday on December 31.

The race, a sealed handicap format, began and ended in the club carpark. With all participants starting together and pre-calculated handicaps applied to their finish times, the format offered everyone an equal chance at victory, regardless of their usual pace. The 4700m course looped out the front gate onto Charleville Road, turned left onto Adams Villas, and returned through the back entrance of the Tullamore Harriers. This loop was repeated four times.

Great credit is due to the club handicapper Joe Wrafter, competition secretary Anna Hyland, and the team of timekeepers, officials, and supporters who made the event a success despite the challenging conditions. Adrian Curley, Tullamore Harriers Chairman, and John Cronin, Athletics Ireland President, warmly welcomed the athletes and extended wishes for a peaceful and healthy 2025.

The standout performer, Kevin Minnock, delivered a great run. Kevin maintained an impressive pace of 3:13 per kilometre to clock a time of 14:59. Not only was he the first finisher, but he also surpassed his handicap to claim a well-deserved victory. Clearly, Kevin's Christmas indulgences were no obstacle to his outstanding performance!

Naomi Galvin was 2nd, with Alan Mitchell 3rd, Mary Daly 4th, Mary Galvin 5th and Enda Golden 6th. Daniel Molloy was 2nd across the line and was then awarded the fastest male runner with Pauline Curley fastest lady. Well done to each and everyone who competed and special thanks to our officials who were in a more uncomfortable position than those running in the heavy rain.

Results: 1 Kevin Minnock 14:56 (race winner); 2 Daniel Molloy 17:22, 2:01, 15:21 (fastest man); 3 Darren Butler 17:31, 2:06, 15:25; 4 Alan Heffernan 18:34, 2:45, 15:49; 5 Alan Mitchell 18:44, 3:34, 15:10 (3rd finisher); 6 Pauline Curley 18:53, 3:25, 15:28 (fastest woman); 7 Jason McDermott 19:15, 3:44, 15:31; 8 Brendan Kelly 20:01, 3:44, 16:17; 9 Darragh Rigney 20:45, 3:25, 17:20; 10 Finian McDermott 20:58, 5:10, 15:48; 11 Fionnan Minnock 21:00, 3:34, 17:26; 12 Sean Spollen 21:05, 4:35, 16:30; 13 Michelle Mullaney 21:12, 4:54, 16:18; 14 Dave Dunican 21:13, 3:34, 17:39; 15 Philliani Moyo 21:14, 4:12, 17:02; 16 Enda Golden 21:15, 5:59 15:16 (6th finisher); 17 Rita Daly Ravenhill 21:24, 4:54, 16:30; 18 Shane Origan 21:30, 4:54, 16:36; 19 John Carroll 21:45, 6:13, 15:32; 20 Tara McKinney 21:48, 5:59, 15:49; 21 Mary Daly 22:01, 6:50, 15:11 (4th finisher); 22 Elysia McCormack 22:12, 5:59, 16:13; 23 Naomi Galvin 23:13, 8:05, 15:08 (2nd finisher); 24 Mary Galvin 23:23, 8:09, 15:14 (5th finisher); 25 Jack Ryan 23:33, 5:59, 17:34; 26 Hilary Duncan 23:38, 8:05, 15:33; 27 Annmarie McNamara 23:58, 6:36, 17:22; 28 Paschal Naughton 24:07, 8:14, 15:53; 29 Emer Rigney 24:19, 6:36, 17:43; 30 Paddy Rowland 25:23, 8:10, 17:13; 31 Sharon Daly 25:28, 9:38, 15:50; 32 Sandra Busteed 26:01, 10:20, 15:41; 33 Olive Mannion 26:11, 9:43, 16:28; 34 Michael Kinsella 26:22, 9:24, 16:58; 35 Jim Langan 32:53, 15:20, 17:33; 36 Bernard Doheny 34:54, 14:46, 20:08; 37 Seamus Rigney 41:01, 24:00, 17:01.

Mooney wins Tom Brennan Memorial 5k

The Tom Brennan Memorial 5k Road Race took place in the Phoenix Park on New Year’s Day. This ever popular event attracted a line out of 570 athletes, marking the anniversary of Tom Brennan’s 1975 National Cross Country triumph, which took place in the founding year of Liffey Valley AC 50 years ago. The race was run off on a flat two lapped circuit in the Phoenix Park, and with ideal conditions for running, it made for fast finishing times.

Congratulations to Laura Mooney who was 1st lady in a time of 16:49. She was followed by Lucy Barrett of Raheny Shamrock AC clocking 17:53 and in 3rd place was Saoirse McGrath of Crusaders AC in 18.14. Laura's brother Barry also competed and had a fine run after his recent injury with a finish time of 18.07k.