Winners confirmed after final leg of 5k Series
The team of Westport AC runners who competed in Ballinrobe. Their club also hosted the second leg of the five race series.
Athletics: There was huge excitement as runners gathered at Ballinrobe Racecourse on Tuesday evening, June 10 for the final race in the 2025 EBS Mayo AC 5k Series. The curtain came down on a very successful and enjoyable 13th edition of the popular series.
The five locations at Castlebar, Westport, Foxford, Ballinrobe and Claremorris provided a range of different challenges, enabling excellent opportunities for all who ran to reach new levels.
Racing conditions at Ballinrobe were ideal – sunny and warm – and the racecourse ambulance path provided a three-lap course which was flat and smooth, and added a unique element to the race.
Before the race started, runners, officials and supporters came together to pay tribute to the memory of three-year-old Maeve Boland who passed away suddenly the previous week. In a heartfelt gesture, they observed a minute’s silence, followed by a warm round of applause. Maeve’s mother Monica is a valued member of Mayo AC, and her father Darragh ran in three races of the series, highlighting the family’s close connection to the Mayo athletics community. The moment served as a reminder of the bonds we share and the importance of remembering those who have touched our lives.
John Heneghan of Core Timing got the field away right on time, and runners were soon into their stride on the first of three laps. They made a magnificent spectacle as they strung out in front of the Grandstand and on around the racecourse, creating a delightful panorama.
Alan Dunne claimed a clear victory in 16:01, two seconds faster than his third place finish in the Westport race. Seamus Burke of Lake District AC chased hard but finished thirty seconds behind. He held off David Hickey in third by six seconds. Hickey had a great series and ran all five races, winning twice.
Sean O’Brien of Westport AC also had a strong series and was fourth in Ballinrobe in 17:04, having recorded his fastest time of 16:56 in Foxford. His results saw him claim second overall in the series.
Mayo AC’s first finisher was club coach Matt Bidwell, an excellent fifth place in 17:07 which was a minute faster than the week before in Claremorris.
Michael Rocke (17:20) was the next Mayo AC competitor to come home, and was rewarded for five great runs with third in the series overall. He was followed by Gerry Kirrane in 18:15 and new club member Steven Timlin in 18:21.
In the women’s race, Hillary Hughes of Westport AC claimed her fourth win in the series in 19:09. She ran brilliantly in all five races, and was third in her hometown 5k behind the exceptionally talented Renton twins, Freya and Holly.
Mayo AC’s Jo Hughes and Eimear Fitzmaurice finished second and third again and made for a familiar top three. They both came home with very impressive sub 20 times. Westport AC’s Michelle Needham had a great run for fourth in 20:19, ahead of Ruth Carney, fifth in 20:59, and Una Mayock, sixth in 21:02, both of Mayo AC. Hillary, Joe and Eimear also finished first, second and third in the series overall.
There was a fantastic buzz in the pavilion after the race as a record series turnout of 230 gathered for refreshments and the series presentations.
It was good to see representatives from a range of local clubs again in the Ballinrobe field: Mayo AC led the way with 50 runners, Westport AC had 27 representatives, and there was great support from Lake District, Tuam, GCH, Castlegar, Athenry, Castlebar, Claremorris, Nephin, Swinford, Milltown and once again, series regular Tony McCabe of Garda AC.
There was a trend of high quality finishing times with an excellent 64% of entrants coming home under 25 minutes.
Garrett Bracken of Westport AC and Ruth Carney of Mayo AC were the men’s and ladies series winners of the over-50s category while Michael Sweeney and Regina Kiernan, both of Mayo AC, took the prizes in the over-60s category.
At the presentation of prizes, which took place in the Pavilion at Ballinrobe Racecourse, thanks was extended to Colette Tuohy, the MC, and to Joan Walsh, John Timothy and their Ballinrobe organising team, and to all the volunteers on the course and at refreshments. All of those who made the series overall such a wonderful success were also recognised and thanked, including runners, volunteers, race organisers, registration teams and photographers.
Mayo AC are especially grateful to the 2025 Series sponsors: EBS (Aidan Beirne), Shaw Commercials (Mick Shaw), Intersport Elverys, Mayo Mental Health Association (Leanne McManamon), Tech Building Systems Ltd., Fitness Analytics (Matt Bidwell), Sports Massage (Tom McLoughlin).
