MULLINGAR ROAD LEAGUE

May 2008

Paul Buckley & Pauline Curley win Road League Series

The 2008 League ended on 28th May in Belvedere, when as expected the long-time series leader in the men's category, Paul Buckley of Ferbane AC, made no mistake on the last night and won well to clinch the series. In the women's category, the popular winner was Tullamore's Pauline Curley, successfully defending her 2007 title and making it an Offaly double on the night.

In line with the previous three races, there was again a large turn-out. In all, 375 runners, joggers and walkers registered over the four evenings, making this year the most successful by a long way. Before the race, there was a minute’s silence as a mark of respect for Laurence McGrath RIP, Tom's father, who died earlier in the week.

Thankfully the weather didn't live up the poor forecast and the 217 finishers thoroughly enjoyed the last night. After the race, there were plenty of refreshments for the large crowd of competitors and supporters in the reception area where Club Chairman Bobbie Begley acted as MC for the evening and organised the presentation of the many category and spot prizes. Susan Finnerty presented the Pat Finnerty Perpetual Trophy to series winners Paul Buckley and Pauline Curley, to commemorate Pat Finnerty RIP, past Chairperson of Mullingar Harriers, who gave great service to the Club over many years.

There was also a surprise presentation to both Paul and Pauline of a year's family membership of Belvedere, which was presented by Bartle D'Arcy, General Manager of Belvedere.

There were a great many category and spot prizes presented on the night, reflecting the very large number of competitors that registered over the course of the 4 nights - a terrific 375 in total, which proves that the Belvedere venue is a very popular one and the numbers are sure to grow even more in future years.

In all, it was an excellent end to a very successful Road League and many present on the final night were planning a return trip to Belvedere next year. Such an undertaking would not be possible without the assistance of a great many people, including the Management and Staff of Belvedere House, Gardens & Park for making the grounds available for the race and for arranging the catering after, to Westmeath Civil Defence for providing the all-important first aid cover, to all the officials and stewards, and to the many others who looked after registration, compilation of results, and the myriad other backroom tasks that are essential for an event of this scale.