For a first running of a new road race on the fixture list, the Kinnegad 5km Road Race on Wednesday 11th August could only be deemed a phenomenal success, with over 330 taking part, including some top class International athletes such as Sean Connolly (Tallaght AC) and Olympian Pauline Curley (Tullamore Harriers AC). The evening was mild and sunny, so running conditions were perfect for the race. The layout of the course was met with universal approval, being mainly flat and therefore fast, with a good wide start on the Main Street and a long finishing straight from the last bend up to the finish. There was an excellent prize fund, which clearly had a big influence and attracted the big names, and big numbers of competitors. Proceeds go to Coralstown/Kinnegad GAA, whose Clubhouse was the headquarters for the event, with registration, showers and changing facilities, and refreshments and presentation of prizes after the race. Congratulations to everyone concerned with the organisation of the event.

Right from the gun Sean Connolly (Tallaght AC) went to the front of the very large pack and slowly increased his lead to finish in 15:05, clear of Jake Byrne who had a great race to finish in 2nd place in 15:32. Paddy Kelly finished very strongly and was involved in a three-man sprint over the last 100m to decide the 3rd place prize but just lost out and finished 5th. Ben Vaitkavichius was next in for Mullingar, delighted to win his master category, with Maurice Looby close on his heels. Thomas Lynn finished 1st junior man, just ahead of Matt Glennon who won his master category, followed by Shane Fitzsimons who suffered stomach problems during the race and had to slow down after 1km and just ran on easy to finish the course. Shane has had a long season and deserves an easy run! Aidan Gorry was next in to win a prize for 1st local man, followed by Mark Carroll and Adam Daly (2nd junior man).

The women’s race was won by Patrycja Wlodarczyk (Raheny Shamrocks & Poland), ahead of Pauline Curley (Tullamore Harriers AC) with Michelle O’Halloran in 3rd to win an individual prize. First junior woman was Lorraine Daly and Edel Glennon was 2nd junior woman. The prizes for 1st local boy and local girl were won by Kevin Giles and Donna Kiernan.

Also competing for Mullingar were Gerry Duffy, JP O’Brien, Liam O’Reilly, Oisin Quinn, John Bannon, Aidan Daly, Karen Kellaghan, Freddie Murray, Michael O’Sullivan, Aaron Glynn, Louise Moore, Nuala Moran (2nd in master category), Sean McMullin, Eoghan Bracken, Mary Kennedy, Noeleen Bourke, Anna Ryan, Hughie O’Reilly, Ciaran Bracken, Sinead Muldoon, Brenda Butterly, Ann Lynch, Mary Daly, Tricia Flanagan, Emma Glynn, Des Walsh, Andrew Bracken, Geraldine Walsh, Caroline Walsh and Karen Malherbe who all enjoyed the 5km loop around the Boreen Bradach in Kinnegad.