Race report by Aileen Melody
The day started off dull and overcast but then the sun came out and shined as we were warming up before the start of the Leinster Novice and Master’s road races in Gowran in Kilkenny on Bank Holiday Monday. “This looks serious girls! Are you discussing race tactic’s?” someone said as we were stretching and running strides “No” we said as we laughed “We are discussing the quality of our false tans! There will be no compression socks for us, no one would see our tan!!”
Seriously though a great day was had by all with some great running from everyone who took part. The racing started with the Novice Men over a 4 lap 6km course where Gavin Finlay finished 6th and Karol Cronin had a good run returning from injury to finish 13th closely followed by Adam Pordix in 14th. The men’s team was made up by Mark Small and Kevin Curran and the guys took Bronze in the club team competition and also won medals on the Dublin team.
Then came the Masters Women where we had Rachael Morgan, Ruth Kelly, Anna Delaney and Valerie Power on one team and Ann Higgins, Aileen Melody and Carol Lynch on the other team. The ladies race was a fast and furious 3km run over 2 laps. Rachael had a great run to finish 3rd overall and 2nd in her age category and the team took silver in the club team competition for their category. Ann Higgins and Carol Lynch both won individual medals in their age category and another team silver was claimed in the older age category. Medals were also won by the ladies on the Dublin Team.
Finally the Masters Men were up over the 4 lap 6 km course. The guys all had a great run and the club was well represented by Eanna Cunnane, Joe Byrne, Jim Browne, Paul Mitchell and Denis McCaul. Eanna claimed individual bronze in his age category.
Well done to everyone who took part in particular Carol who stepped in at the last minute to make up the team. Also we can’t forget our trusty band of supporters, Emily for the pep talk and race instructions and the words of encouragement and to Nick, Paddy and Mary.
Not forgetting our Junior fan club of Siobhain, Hugh, Sean Tadgh and Brian Ross who cheered us all the way while looking for Ladybirds became as important as the race! Not sure how Joe found time in the race to spot Ladybirds as he ran so fast!!
Also thanks Jim for allowing us to use your car boot as seat, hang out area, changing room and storage. What we really want to know was how you got that parking spot!!
