ATHLETICS | Host club wins male team prize at Glenmore AC 10 Mile Challenge

North East Runners win female team award

One hundred and seventy-two runners finished the the fourth annual Glenmore AC 10 Mile Challenge which took place over a tough, hilly but picturesque route on Saturday afternoon.

With the fog lifting, the sun came out to shine brightly on the field who were led by Brian McCluskey and Shane Toner through town lands such as Castletown Cooley, Benagh, Aghmeen, Corrakit to name but a few.

McCluskey, of North East Runners, came home first with Glenmore AC’s Shane Toner hot on his heels. They were followed by Raymond Coogan, another North East Runners athlete, in third.

The first woman home was Nicola Flanagan of Blayney Rockets, followed by North East Runners duo Maire Hegarty, who was second, and Laura Matthews, who was third.

Karen Caldwell of North East Runners was the first Over-40 female with Ciaran Reilly of Liffey Valley AC winning the Over-40 male category.

Maree Dowling from Rush Running won the Over-50 female category while Gerry O’Connell won the Over-50 male category. Nuala Reilly from Drogheda and District AC was first female home in the Over-60 category with Michael Kirk-Smith the first male Over-60.

North East Runners, made up of Laura Matthews, Karen Caldwell, Aine McBride and Melanie Hearty, won the female team prize with with City of Lisburn AC team of Eimear McCracken, Grainne Keenan, Sandra McKillop and Anne McCullough finishing second.

The Glenmore AC team of Shane Toner, Paul Savage, Martin Toner and Ciaran Walsh, were the first male team, finishing ahead of the North East Runners team of Brian McCluskey, Raymond Coogan, Liam Fergus and Colm Hearty.

Congratulations to all runners who completed the race from clubs such as North East Runners, Liffey Valley AC, City of Lisburn, Dub Runners Belfast, Newcastle and District, Drogheda and District, Kilcoole, Blayney Rockets, Raheny Shamrocks, Rush Running, Duleek and District, Setanta, Club Pulse, The Running Dead, Orangegrove AC, Boyne AC, East Down AC, Reaghstown Chasers, DSD, Ormeau Runners and Navan AC.

Last but not least, well done to all Glenmore AC athletes who ran the race: Shane Toner, Paul Savage, Martin Toner, Ciaran Walsh, Ronan Callan, Fiona McQuade, Lloyd Byrne, Tony Elmore, Shane Arnold, John Doyle, Michael McShane, Kinga Byrne, Ali McEnhill, Aidan Gallagher, Stephen O’Connor, Gavin Byrne, Katie Bell, Rose White, Barry Woods and Noel Sweeney.

Thank You

Glenmore AC would like to say a special word of thanks to sponsors Greenore Port and Carton Die who have continued to support the club and to the Red Cross for being there to provide an invaluable service.

The club are grateful to the mile sponsors: Barry’s Shop, Aidan McCoy-Loss Assessors, O’Connor Roofing, Lordship, Top Omeath Fuels, Gerry Rice Animal Pregnancy Scanning, Appletree Dental Care, Aisling’s Hairdressers, Omeath, O’Neill Plant Hire, Visit Carlingford and Brendan Reid.

A big word of thanks also to the spot prize sponsors Cooley Men’s Sheds, Riina’s Italian Restaurant, Carlingford, Skypark and to Lidl for food vouchers and Fyffes for fruit.

Glenmore AC are delighted to once again have the opportunity to donate to the Maria Goretti Charity. With the work of Glenmore AC members, senior and juvenile, and the cooperation of the local residents, this event continues to be an example of a local club working with — and in — the community to provide an enjoyable race known for the sumptuous after race food and its unique wooden medals.

The organisers would like to salute each and every person, from the catering crew, water stop helpers, photographers, stewards, medal makers and givers, sign makers from the local schools, the Hall crew — some of whom travelled from as far away as Cork — Tommy Neary, the starter, Mary and Sean McGeown — who are always there on the day — those who erected and dismantled signs, the Booze Brothers and Anne who entertained the weary runners, local residents who allowed the club to use their land for parking and provided a stage for the band and all who came out to cheer on the runners.

The club’s next event is the Carlingford 5KM Road Race on August 4th. Please see www.glenmoreac.com and the club’s Facebook page for more details.