Tullamore Harriers Report – 22nd December

Tullamore Harriers report – 22nd December

Grand National win for Kevin.
Kevin Minnock rounded off an excellent year of running with a superb win in Christmas Grand National, held on the 21st of December.

This event is one of the club’s longest-standing races and, as a handicapped event where athletes start at staggered intervals based on their assigned handicap, always keeps everyone guessing and surmising who will take the win. Joe Wrafter, our expert handicapper, along with Competition Secretary Anna Hyland Guilfoyle, once again did a fantastic job setting the handicap times, resulting was a tightly contested finish, with all 37 athletes crossing the line in close succession.
Despite the chilly December morning - the shortest day of the year, conditions were ideal for running, with not a breeze nor a drop of rain, making it more comfortable for the supporters and marshals positioned along the route too.

The race got underway at 9:00am starting from the club car park. The course led out through the back gate towards the Rugby Club, turned left onto Charleville Road, and then made a final left turn back into the club grounds via the front gate. This 1,300-metre circuit was completed four times to make up the full 5,200 metre distance.

Coming in the front gate on the final lap, it was Elysia McCormack who was in the lead with Hilary Duncan following in 2nd place. Both ladies had passed a few runners who had set off ahead of them making great ground on each lap. But Kevin, who was running from scratch (he had zero handicap) had a super run from the gun and passed both with 40 meters to go. To win from scratch especially on a shorter distance where you have less time to claw back every single other participant in the race, is brilliant and Kevin’s surge of speed in the carpark this morning added great excitement to the finish.
Elysia finished a well-deserved second, with Hilary taking third place. Kevin was also the fastest man on the day but because he claimed the overall win, the second-fastest man Mick O’Brien won that prize. The fastest lady was Pauline Curley.

Following the race, athletes, supporters, and marshals were warmly welcomed by Club Chairman Adrian Curley to enjoy tea, coffee, and a wonderful selection of treats prepared by the club’s culinary experts and secretary, Aisling McCormack and Sharon Daly. The presentation of prizes was followed by spot prizes galore – and plenty of craic and banter!
Before everyone departed to begin their Christmas celebrations, Adrian delivered an inspirational address, as he always does. He spoke thoughtfully about the work and effort involved in organising club races, highlighting how fortunate we are to have such a dedicated group of members who ensure the club’s traditions continue. Adrian also emphasised how blessed we are to have such a wonderful club, made up of those present and the many others who work behind the scenes to keep it thriving. He reminded everyone of another very important club event, the Hospice Mile on Christmas morning in support of Offaly Hospice and his hope for a strong turnout.

Well done to everyone involved.

Results:

𝐍𝐀𝐌𝐄. 𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐂𝐊 𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄.  𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐏.  𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐔𝐀𝐋 𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄

Kevin Minnock 00:42:21 00:26:30 00:15:51  Winner
Elysia McCormack 00:42:26 00:19:10 00:23:16  2nd
Hilary Duncan 00:42:30 00:17:40 00:24:50  3rd
Barry Mooney 00:42:43 00:25:40 00:17:03  4th
Nigel Cunningham 00:42:46 00:24:10 00:18:36  5th
Darren Butler 00:42:50 00:23:50 00:19:00  6th
Naomi Galvin 00:42:52 00:17:40 00:25:12
Mary Guest 00:42:56 00:15:20 00:27:36
Olive Mannion 00:42:57 00:15:20 00:27:37
Daniel Molloy 00:42:58 00:23:50 00:19:08
Alan Mitchell 00:42:58 00:22:35 00:20:23
Seamus Hoey 00:43:04 00:22:35 00:20:29
Bryce Fraser 00:43:04 00:19:55 00:23:09
Mary Galvin 00:43:05 00:18:25 00:24:40
 Pauline Curley 00:43:12 00:23:00 00:20:12  Fastest Woman
Cathal Dunne 00:43:13 00:23:50 00:19:23
Lorcan Scally 00:43:17 00:22:10 00:21:07
Padraig Berry 00:43:19 00:24:10 00:19:09
Cian Keogh 00:43:22 00:23:50 00:19:32
Liam Byrne 00:43:23 00:23:20 00:20:03
Nick  McGowan 00:43:23 00:23:20 00:20:03
Jason McDermott 00:43:36 00:22:35 00:21:01
Micheal O'Brien 00:43:38 00:25:40 00:17:58  Fastest Man
Ruairi Daly 00:43:41 00:19:10 00:24:31
Sarah Flanagan 00:43:42 00:23:20 00:20:22
Paschal Naughton 00:43:47 00:17:40 00:26:07
Mary Daly 00:43:51 00:19:10 00:24:41
Michelle Mullaney 00:44:01 00:21:05 00:22:56
Ollie Neary 00:44:10 00:23:50 00:20:20
Shane McGuinness 00:44:13 00:24:10 00:20:03
Nita McLoughlin 00:44:13 00:22:10 00:22:03
Michael Kinsella 00:44:15 00:16:30 00:27:45
Helene Rouget 00:44:20 00:15:40 00:28:40
Evelyn Herlihy 00:44:25 00:22:10 00:22:15
Brendan Kelly 00:44:36 00:23:00 00:21:36
Conor Gavin 00:47:01 00:19:10 00:27:51
Melissa Hogan 00:48:37 00:00:00 00:48:37

Happy Christmas

On behalf of our Chairman, Adrian Curley, the committee, and all the members of Tullamore Harriers AC, we would like to wish everyone a very happy, healthy, and peaceful Christmas.

Thank you sincerely for your continued support of our wonderful athletes and club activities throughout the year.

Tullamore Harriers Hospice Mile

Join us on Christmas morning for the annual Hospice Mile and start your Christmas Day supporting the wonderful work of Offaly Hospice. Bring friends, families, kids on new bikes, and even dogs (on leads!) along for a few festive laps of the track in the club stadium.

Drop in anytime between 10am and 12 noon to walk or run at your own pace or take on the competitive mile at 11am and earn that guilt-free Christmas dinner!

Collection buckets will be available, with online donations also welcome via Idonate.ie