December

Christmas and New Year’s Day Races

Congratulations to Caroline Harney on her 5th place finish in a good time in the senior women’s race at the Street’s of Wicklow 5km road race on St. Stephen’s Day.

Fresh from victory in Newtownforbes on St. Stephen's Day, Damien Bateman was back in action again on New Year's Day in the Tom Brennan Memorial 5km road race in the Phoenix Park. In ideal conditions with little or no wind, Damien was content to bide his time for most of the race, but with 800m to go he moved ahead and using his considerable speed and strength as a miler and half miler, he pulled away to win convincingly with seven seconds to spare at the finish. Clearly Damien prefers firm footing to the snow and mud he had to contend with in Stormont!

Newtownforbes Road Race

There was a fine turnout of Club members at the Newtownforbes 5km road race on St. Stephen’s day, which attracted a huge entry. Damien Bateman was home for Christmas from College in Albuquerque, New Mexico and was clearly not too concerned with the seriously cooler climate here and was a most impressive winner, leading from start to finish. Next home for Mullingar in the men’s race was Matt Glennon, followed by Cormac Finnerty, Ben Vaitkavichius, Paddy Kelly, Aidan Gorry, Padraig Moran, Brendan Marshall, Paul McCool, Christy Creagh and Sean McMullin.

In the ladies race, Vera McCool was top finisher and first in her master’s age-category, with Aine Devanney having a fine run too.

In the underage race confined to National School pupils, Michael Moran was the winner, with his brother Jack also getting among the medals. Edel Glennon and Rachel Glennon were the top two finishers in the girl’s race.

Donore Harriers AC “Jingle Bells” 5km Road Race

We’re barely into December and already Christmas seems to be all around us. Donore Harriers AC held their annual “Jingle Bells” 5km Road Race in the Phoenix Park on Sunday 2nd December and as always, Mullingar Harriers was very well represented among the huge field on over 900 runners. Thanks to Liam McGlynn, who even though was unable to run due to injury, traveled to Dublin anyway and provided transport and support and reported on the race results.

No great surprise that first finisher for Mullingar was Ben Vaitkavichius (20th overall, in 16:26), which is a very good time for this course and considering the very windy weather conditions on the day. Needless to say, Ben easily won his masters age-category. Paddy Kelly clearly enjoyed the shorter distance and was next in, followed by Matt Glennon (8th in masters age-category) and Aidan Gorry who has put injury behind him and made serious improvements of late. Kieran Nolan also had a good race as did David Fagan who an excellent run in his first race for Mullingar Harriers and finished 12th in his masters age-category. Well done also to Eddie Newman (19th in masters age-category), Kestutis Navickas (Thomas’ father), Yvonne Kane (19th in masters age-category) and PJ Ballesty.

October

Excellent run for Martin Fagan in Boston Half-Marathon

Martin Fagan was in top form when finishing 3rd in a very competitive half marathon in Boston on Sunday 7th October. He recorded a super time of 63:04 in only his second attempt at the distance. Competing alongside 3,600 starters in warm but overcast and breezy conditions, the field include a number of good Keynan athletes so it really was an excellent performance by Martin who actually led the race for the first seven miles.

September

Dublin Half Marathon

Congratulations to the athletes from Mullingar who completed the Dublin half marathon on 22nd September last. Patrick Muldoon (Senior) finished 10th in his master age-category in a very good time of 1 hour 29 minutes and 34 seconds, followed by Eddie Newman (1:30:14), John O’Reilly (1:38:16), Wendy Bates (1:39:33) who finished 30th senior woman, and Catherine Kenny (1:50:56) who finished 16th in her master age-category.

Loughrea 5km Road Race

Due to road works, the Loughrea road race on Saturday 29th September was a 5km event this year and not the usual 4 miles, but this change seems to have suited Tomas Navickas who finished 5th in a fast 16:07 and also suited Ben Vaitkavichius who finished 9th overall in 16:59 and was 1st master to finish.

August

South O’Hanlon AC 4 mile road race

Noel Kelly had a great win in the South O’Hanlon AC 4 mile road race in Navan on Saturday 25th August in a very good time of 20:19. Noel had a clear 20 seconds to spare on the second place finisher, which is a very comfortable winning margin and an indication of his excellent current form. Also running well in support were Tomas Navickas in 4th and Ben Vaitkavichius in 12th place (1st in his master age-category). Mullingar won 1st senior men’s team prize. Next in for Mullingar were Matt Glennon (22:50), Pat Muldoon (Senior) and Gerry Dalton who all ran well too. Very well done to all on their performances.

Successes for Mullingar Harriers at the Castlepollard Road Races

Mullingar Harriers was out in force for the Castlepollard road races on Wednesday evening 15th August. Organized by North Westmeath AC, the road races are fast becoming one of the most popular in the Region. The main event of the evening was the 5km road race but before that, there were a number of well supported races for juveniles around the square in Castlepollard.

The Gardai were on hand to supervise the stopping of traffic for each race, which meant that each of the 62 young runners could run in safety. Every finisher was given a small treat for taking part, which is a nice touch, but there were also medals for the first six in each race. Eoghan Bracken was our first medalist, finishing 3rd in the one lap race for boys under 8. Also competing were Ruairi Bracken and Paul McCool who are so young will be under 8 for quite some time yet, but thoroughly enjoyed the race and especially the treats after. Susan Glennon and Sarah Glennon ran in the under 8 girls race, which Susan won and Sarah finished 3rd. Boys and girls under 10 also had one lap to run and Kevin Giles ran well to finish 4th and claim his medal. Rachel Glennon left it very late but with a final sprint she passed the leader and just got to the line in the nick of time to win the under 10 girls race in the narrowest of margins. Ciaran Bracken was determined not to go home empty handed and after a good race he finished 6th and earned a medal in the under 12 boys race over two laps. The corresponding under 12 girls race came down to a straight battle between Aisling Bracken and Edel Glennon, with Aisling winning and Edel finishing a close 2nd. Shane Fitzsimons did what he does best and ran from the front to easily win the boys under 14 race over three laps, with Philip Giles running well to finish 3rd. The overall performances of the juveniles were very good and we should have some good cross country teams this coming season.

Everyone was pleased that while the evening was cold, the rain had held off for the juvenile races and as it transpired, it held off for the 5km road race too. This is one of the nicest courses in the Country, starting and finishing near the square and taking in the magnificent tree lined grounds of Tullynally Castle. As with the juvenile races, no chances were taken with road safety and motor cycle escorts controlled traffic and gave the runners maximum protection on the short straight run to the entrance to Tullynally and back. The 5km course is relatively flat and fast and 160 runners took to the line hoping to run well. Breaking the 15 minute barrier for 5km on the road is a mark of a class runner and finishing in 14:57 was Andrew Ledwith of Fr. Murphy’s AC in Athboy with an excellent performance and with 10 seconds to spare over 2nd place finisher Richard Corcoran of Raheny Shamrocks.

Finishing strongly in 3rd place after a great run in 15:25 was Noel Kelly for Mullingar, followed closely by Tomas Navickas (6th) and Ben Vaitkavichius (1st in his masters age-category) and their combined race times were good enough to win the prize for 2nd men’s team. Tom McGrath (3rd in his master’s age-category) was close on Ben’s heels and ran well and was followed in by Patrick Muldoon (Jun), Matt Glennon (6th master age-category), Kieran Nolan, Shane Fagan (3rd under 16 boy), Eddie Newman, Liam McGlynn, John Carthy, Gerry Dalton (3rd master age-category), Wendy Bates, John Bannon, Eva Ross, Amie Giles (4th under 16 girl), Ger Sohmen, Nuala Daly, Sandra Brehony, Breda Daly, Sean Reilly, Breda McDonnell, Paul McCool, Yvonne Kane, Des Walsh, Geraldine Walsh, James Nolan, Kevin Glennon (1st walker), Martha Marshall and PJ Ballesty (2nd walker).

Very well done to all who ran and it was great to see so many from Mullingar Harriers AC support this event, organized by our nearest neighbour Club. Thanks to North Westmeath AC for an excellent competition and the great prizes and plenty of welcome refreshments after.

Frank Duffy 10 mile Road Race

Few road races attract over 2,000 runners but the Frank Duffy 10 mile road race in the Phoenix Park is one of them. Galway’s Gerry Ryan was the clear winner on Saturday 18th August in a time of 50:34 and had nearly a minute and a half to spare over the second place finisher. Running over a tough 2 lap course of the Park with all the hills included, the only saving grace for the athletes was that the early 10am start meant they avoided the heavy rain that fell later. It was a very tough race but Patrick Muldoon (Jun) had a terrific run to finish in 58:46 (18th senior man). Matt Glennon also had a great race (61:18) and finished 14th in his masters age-category. Following him in was Pat Muldoon Senior in 67:17 (4th in masters age-category), Wendy Bates (73:39) and Ciara Dillon (74:42), all excellent times on a tough hilly course.

Streets of Galway 8km Road Race

Mullingar Harriers was represented at the Streets of Galway 8km road race on Saturday 11th August among the 1,525 runners that took to the start for what is one of the biggest races on the road race calendar. Over 2,000 had entered but many never showed up, possibly put off by the weather. You might recall that evening as Westmeath and further beyond was hit by thunder and lightning and very heavy rain showers, so much that the Tullamore Show had to be cancelled. Over in Galway, the rain had lashed for the whole evening right up to the race at 7.30pm but thankfully right on cue it stopped just in time. There was little wind, so conditions were good for racing. The course had a few inclines over the first half but the runners enjoyed a straight run in by the sea from Salthill over the last 3km.

The race was won by local man Gerry Ryan in an excellent time of 23:59. First in for Mullingar was Patrick Muldoon (Jun) in 27.32, followed home by his father Pat Muldoon (Senior) who was 4th in his masters age-category, followed by Vera McCool (5th in her masters age-category) and by Paul McCool (18th in his masters age-category). All ran well and were pleased with their performances and times.

Damien Bateman wins Daingean 5km road race

Continuing his recent spell of excellent form, Damien Bateman came from behind to win the Daingean 5km road race on Friday 3rd August. Damien has terrific finishing speed as he displayed only two nights before in Santry when he won a 3,000m in a new personal best time, and he put this speed to excellent use to out sprint the long time leader, the well-regarded Gerry Ryan (GCH), to win in an excellent time of 15:15. Noel Kelly also had a fantastic run, finishing in 4th place, followed closely by Lee Stenson in 6th (first junior) and Tomas Navickas in 7th. Following in behind and also running well were Ben Vaitkavichius (1st in his master age-category), Patrick Muldoon (Jnr), Ciaran Nolan, Gerry Dalton, Christy Creagh (1st in his master age-category), Karen Malone, Breda McDonnell.

June/July

Dunshaughlin & Mount Bolus Road Races

Ben Vaitkavichius continued his recent winning streak when he ran in the Dunshaughlin AC 10km road race last Saturday, 30th June, and was a clear winner of his masters age-category in a very fast time. Eddie Newman and Liam McGlynn also competed in the race, which was the latest in the open road race league organized by the Meath County Board and taking place over the summer.

The following day, 1st July, Matt Glennon was the Club’s sole representative in the Marian Geraghty Memorial Trust 10km road race at Mount Bolus, Tullamore and finished a very good ninth place after running over a very tough hilly course.

Rathowen 5km

On Wednesday evening 20th June, the annual Rathowen 5km Road Race was held in wet and windy conditions and that in particular had a big bearing on the times for the event. Even though it was a miserable evening for running, a new record entry of 123 went to the start line.

With the lead changing hands several times over the first two kilometres, Damien Bateman recently returned from the USA where he was on an athletics scholarship hit the front and began to dominate the race and came home a most convincing winner. He was full of running at the finish but also looking very strong behind him came John Byrne (Mayo AC) with Tomas Navickas (Mullingar Harriers and Lithuania) 3rd and Adrian Cully of Tullamore 4th. Ben Vaitkavichius (Mullingar and Lithuania) finished 5th overall and was 1st in his masters age-category, followed by John Donegan of Tullamore in 6th place. In the ladies race, Pauline Curley of Tullamore was a clear winner with Eva Ross (Mullingar) 2nd and Ann Murray 3rd.

Mullingar Harriers were of course well represented with the following athletes competing and running well;- Matt Glennon, Pat Muldoon, Liam McGlynn, Paul McCool, Christy Creagh, John Bannon, Maurice Creagh, John O’Reilly, Ciaran Nolan, Brian Boyle, Liam Dalton, Gary Moore, Frank Dillon, Seamus Bracken, Ciaran O’Meara, PJ Ballesty, Vera McCool, Paula Murray, Maura Dervan, Martha Marshall, Breda McDonnell, Nuala Daly, Anna May Bradley, Mary Dillon, Dorothy Duffy, Ruth O’Meara, Sonja Statham, Yvonne Kane and Sandra Brehony.

Bohermeen & Ferbane Road Races

Defying the weather forecast on Friday 22nd June, a number of club members travelled the short distance to Bohermeen near Navan to support the Patrick Bell memorial 5km road race organised by Bohermeen AC. There was a massive entry, making this one of the best supported road races in the region. They were rewarded with an excellent evening, both in terms of competition and weather conditions. Ben Vaitkavichius continues to be the man in form and won his masters age-category in convincing style. Also competing were Matt Glennon, Liam McGlynn, Christy Creagh (3rd in his masters age-category), Kevin Glennon and PJ Ballesty who were rewarded with the 4th place team prize.

Ben Vaitkavichius was in action again last Sunday, 24th June, in the Hugo Smith memorial 4 mile road race in Ferbane, Co. Offaly, where he finished 3rd overall in an excellent time of 21:51. Also running in the men’s race were Liam McGlynn and Eddie Newman while Maura Dervan was 2nd in her masters age-category in the ladies race.

May

Midland Road League heads for the finish

There was yet another great turnout of runners and walkers on Wednesday last for the penultimate round of the Midland Road League. Conditions were perfect for racing and the large field made the most of the mild weather on the night. Participants included competitive runners, fun runners, joggers and walkers. The emphasis is on participation and fun while getting fit. Many thanks to all that have helped so far with registration, distribution of T-shirts, stewarding, time keeping and recording. The final night concludes with refreshments and prize giving (including many spot prizes) in the Visitor Centre in Belvedere this Wednesday, 30th May.

European Masters Road Championships

Congratulations to Sean McMullin on his magnificent performances in the European Masters Road Championships in Germany recently. On Friday 18th May, Sean lined up for his first event of the Championships, the 10km race walk, and was rewarded with a top class 5th place finish. Sean was back in action again barely two days later on the Sunday, this time in the grueling 30km race walk where he again recorded a great 5th place finish to reinforce his reputation as one the finest Masters race walkers in Europe.

Kilcormac Road Race
Mullingar was well represented at the Kilcormac 5km road race on Friday night, 25th May. Vera McCool was very pleased with her 2nd place finish in her master’s age-category, as was Matt Glennon with his 3rd place finish in his category. Paul McCool had a great run and finished very strongly. Also competing in Kilcormac was Brigid McCabe, Yvonne Kane, Nicky McCabe and Liam McGlynn.

Boston Scientific 4 Mile
There was an excellent turnout of runners and walkers for the Boston Scientific 4 mile road race in Tullamore on Sunday morning (May 13th). Ben Vaitkavichius had a particularly good run in the windy conditions and finished 8th overall and won his master’s age-category. Next in for Mullingar were Matt Glennon and Patrick Muldoon (Jun), both running well in their third race in a week. Following them in and very pleased with their performances were Patrick Muldoon (Sen.), Gerry Dalton, Sean McMullin, Des Walsh and Geraldine Walsh, who was the winner of her master’s age-category.

Birr 5km

There was a good turn out for the GK Sports 5km on Bank Holiday Monday (7th May). It was a very pleasant day for running despite the heavy rain that fell in the lead up to the race. Well done to the race promoters on a very well organised event. Noel Kelly continued his racing come-back with another very good run, finishing 2nd to Colm Burke of St. Abban's AC. Matt Glennon was next to finishfor Mullingar Harriers, followed closely by Patrick Muldoon Junior and Liam McGlynn.

Great turn-out for Midland Running League 2007

The late Pat Finnerty would have been proud of the magnificent turnout of runners and walkers for the first round of the Midland Road League over the 5km trail through the woods of Belvedere on Wednesday evening last. The league is a memorial to Pat, who gave enormous time and effort to Mullingar Harriers, and it was only fitting that four members of his family took part, his wife Susan, his son Cormac, and daughters Patricia and Susan (Junior). The huge turnout, which was a record for the event, attracted athletes from eight different Counties and all were full of praise for the new traffic-free course, and we can confidently expect another large turnout for the remaining Wednesday evenings in May at 7.30pm. The first man home was Mullingar’s Noel Kelly and first woman was Pauline Curley (Tullamore Harriers) and both now hold the course records, but for how long? It will be interesting to see if all those who took part will improve on their time of last week.

March

Athboy Open 5 Mile Road Race

On the Monday of St. Patrick’s week-end, while most of us were sitting in by our fires and perhaps looking at the melting snow and howling winds, a brave contingent from Mullingar was in action at the Athboy 5 mile road race. The runners were taken by bus to the start line and ran the 5 miles back into Athboy. Battling the terrible weather conditions, particularly the strong head wind all the way, Matt Glennon finished first Master and led his team of Eddie Newman and John Bannon to victory and well deserved prizes. An excellent result for all three and very well done.

St. Patrick's Day Road Race, Phoenix Park

Well done to Liam McGlynn who braved the cold and in the 4 mile race in the Phoenix Park on St. Patrick’s Day and finished well up.

Ballycotton 10mile Road Race

Sunday 4th March was no day to be out and about running in the open, but weather doesn’t stop a race like the Ballycotton 10 mile road race in Cork, where Mullingar was well represented. Conditions were difficult to say the least and runners had to endure cold wind and rain over a very open and exposed coastal course.

Leading the Mullingar contingent home was Matt Glennon, who had a great race and finished 67th of 1,938 finishers (10th in his Master’s age-category), just 1 second outside the hour. Following Matt in was Liam McGlynn who ran a fantastic 63:21 for the 10 miles and was well pleased. Pat Muldoon Senior finished an excellent 8th in his master’s age-category in a brilliant 65:03. Closely following was John Bannon, followed by John O’Reilly, Ciara Dillon, Niamh Dillon, Paul McCool, Brigid McCabe, Des Walsh and Geraldine Walsh.

Our spies tell us Vera and Paul McCool, and Nicky and Brigid McCabe cycled down to Cork! That’s an extreme warm-up by any standard! We’re not told if they cycled home too? Very well done to all from Mullingar who braved the elements and completed the 10 mile course.

January

Raheny Road Race

Well done to the great group from Mullingar who took part in the Raheny 5 Mile Road Race on Sunday 28 January. Competing and running well were Matt Glennon, Patrick Muldoon, Fr. Mark English, Kieran Nolan, Aidan Gorry, Eva Ross, Vera Flynn, Joey Cleary, Paul McCool, Eileen Gorry, Des Walsh and Geraldine Walsh.