Leinster cross country double for Tullamore Harriers
Tullamore Harriers duo Evelyn Coughlan and Kevin Minnock are the 2025 Leinster Intermediate Cross Country champions after a superb display of running by both in Faithful Fields last Saturday.
Overall, Tullamore Harriers made a strong impression at the Leinster Intermediate and Masters Cross Country Championships. Well done to all the club's brilliant athletes who lined out for the club in the Leinster championships.
The event, hosted by Offaly Athletics, was a triumph for the club and the county, with several athletes securing provincial medals on home soil. The weather was dry and despite a strong breeze, conditions were ideal for running. The course, laid out across a single large field, featured a meandering circuit that was in excellent condition, allowing for some fast and competitive races.
Masters ladies' race
The schedule began with the Juvenile relays in the morning, followed by the first senior race of the afternoon: the Master Ladies and Men’s O65 event. Run over 4000m, this race offered medals in various age categories and proved to be a great success for Tullamore Harriers.
The first finisher for Tullamore Harriers was Sarah Flanagan, who led the ladies 035 club team to 5th position. Maeve Larkin made a return to racing following an extended break and made a great impression on her first outing with her 3rd place finish on that O35 team. Michelle Mullaney, Tara McKinney and Elysia McCormack made up the O35 squad. Sarah along with Aileen Flynn and Lisa Murphy of Naomh Mhuire AC just missed out on county medals with a 4th place team finish.
The O50 and O60 ladies were also successful. Rita Daly Ravenhill secured a silver medal in the O55 category and, along with Carmel Murray (Birr AC) and Dympna O’Hara (Naomh Mhuire), they earned the bronze county team medals. Hilary Duncan and Una Mullen made up the O50 team and both ran very well.
The O60 ladies, Mary Daly, Mary Galvin and Martina Conlon, added to the medal haul, taking 3rd county team medals. Jim Langan, secured the O80 gold individual medal.
Masters men's race
Despite being short a few athletes, the Tullamore Harriers men’s teams delivered strong performances in the competitive 7000m race. Paul Mitchell secured an impressive 5th place in a closely contested field, earning a silver individual O35 Leinster medal. Paul also picked up a silver county medal with Harry Lupton (Ballyskenach AC), Mick Fogarty (Ferbane AC) and Jimmy Coughlan (Naomh Mhuire AC) also scoring for the Offaly O35 team.
The O35 club team of Paul Mitchell, Gary Whittle, David Hollywood and Jason McDermott achieved a 7th place in the club standings. The O50 men, Liam Byrne, Alan Mitchell, Glen Finlay and Alan Heffernan, all put in a huge effort among a high class O50 field.
Intermediate ladies' race
The penultimate race of the day brought triumph for Tullamore Harriers. Evelyn Coughlan dominated the Intermediate race, leading the other 39 runners from gun to tape. She extended her lead with each lap, looking composed and in control throughout and was never under threat, finishing as a clear and deserving winner. Aoife Carroll (Sportsworld AC) was 2nd and Susan Glennon (Mullingar Harriers AC) was 3rd.
Charlotte Abbott, the club’s only other representative in this race, delivered a strong performance. Along with Áine O’Brien and Orla Tooher (Birr AC), their collective efforts secured county team bronze medals.
Intermediate men's race
The day concluded with a thrilling Intermediate Men’s 8000m race, and Kevin Minnock delivered a standout performance that crowned a successful day for Tullamore Harriers.
Kevin tucked in with the lead pack for the first three laps, looking comfortable and controlled. On lap 4, he made his move, breaking away to build a commanding 200m lead. Maintaining this advantage through the final lap, Kevin was untouchable as he crossed the finish line to claim the Leinster Intermediate title for 2025 – a very deserving champion.
Mark Naylor (Liffey Valley AC) was 2nd and James Keegan (Mullingar Harriers AC) was 3rd. Kevin’s teammates Jonathan Dunne, Eoin Brennan, Barry Mooney, and Daniel Molloy ran strongly in support, securing a well-earned 3rd place in the club team competition.
To finish off a fantastic day, the Intermediate men’s team also brought home silver county medals. David Carroll (Liffey Valley AC), a Cappincur native who declared to run for Offaly, delivered an impressive 7th place finish overall. Along with Adam Courtney (Ferbane AC), the combined efforts of the Offaly Intermediate men’s team ensured a podium finish, highlighting the depth of talent across the county. W
Tullamore Harriers results
Masters ladies: Sara Flanagan 15.49; Rita Daly Ravenhill 17.34; Michelle Mullaney 18.01; Maeve Larkin 18.07; Tara McKinney 18.39; Hilary Duncan 18.54; Una Mullen 19.01; Elysia McCormack 19.06; Mary Daly 19.29; Mary Galvin 19.43; Martina Conlon 22.15; Olive Mannion 22.58. Masters men: Paul Mitchell 22.23; Gary Whittle 27.44; Liam Byrne 28.57; David Hollywood 29.05; Alan Mitchell 29.11; Glen Finlay 29.12; Brendan Abbott 29.36; Alan Heffernan 30.08; Jason McDermott 30.13. Intermediate ladies: Evelyn Coughlan 17.58; Charlotte Abbott 21.47. Intermediate men: Kevin Minnock 27.03; Jonathan Dunne 28.32; Eoin Brennan 29.22; Barry Mooney 29.58; Daniel Molloy 31.42.