Top class field attracted to St Patrick's Day races

Athletics: St Patrick’s Day is joyously celebrated every year in Tubbercurry with a vibrant athletics event that dates back to 1971. This special occasion transforms the South Sligo town into a lively festival, as athletes of all ages and abilities come together to display their talents, creating an exhilarating atmosphere.

This year, over 500 enthusiastic participants took part in three exciting events, contributing to the festive spirit that filled the bustling town centre. The energy and camaraderie of the day truly encapsulate the essence of St Patrick’s Day, making it a memorable experience for everyone involved.

On the evening before this year’s highly anticipated event, a lively Q&A session took place at Murphy’s Hotel where Olympian Rob and Marian Heffernan took the stage to share their insights, with the discussion expertly facilitated by Feidhlim Kelly. The trio offered fascinating details about the extensive preparations that Sean Tobin and Willie Maunsell had undertaken in the weeks leading up to the event, as well as their future plans following the Tubbercurry race.

The 10k serves as the start of the Sligo County Running League. The single-loop course presents a formidable challenge, featuring a total ascent of 28.81 metres and a maximum elevation of 102.86 metres.

This year marked the 52nd edition of the event, which now includes three races: the traditional 10k, a 5k, and a children’s run, each held on separate courses.

Runners in the 10k begin with a 2k loop through the town before tackling a 3k gradual ascent along the Mountain Road, leading them to the halfway point at Moylough. From there, they face a demanding 4k stretch of ups and downs before reaching the exhilarating 500 metre downhill dash to the finish line at the bustling Wolfe Tone Square.

Conditions further added to the challenge, as a brisk cold breeze swept across the course, draining energy and slowing the runners’ pace. Despite these obstacles, the excitement of the event was palpable, drawing participants and spectators alike to celebrate the spirit of running in Tubbercurry.

Last year, Hugh Armstrong set out with high hopes of breaking the 2023 course record of 29:30, held by Olympian Andrew Coscoran. He finished just shy of that mark with a time of 29:41.

This year, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation as renowned Clonmel AC international endurance athletes Sean Tobin and Willie Maunsell were at the start line for another shot at the record.

Tobin and Maunsell took control from the outset, reaching the 5k mark in an impressive 15:30. In a thrilling neck-and-neck finish at Wolfe Tone Square, Sean Tobin managed to just edge out Willie Maunsell, crossing the finish line in 30:43 – still over a minute behind the elusive course record. Alan Dunne from Swinford AC came home third in 33:50.

On the women’s side, Aoife Kilgallon from Sligo AC took the top honour with an excellent finish time of 36:03, which was over 50 seconds faster than her winning time from the previous year. Champion master athlete Mari Johnston, also from Sligo AC, secured second place with a time of 40:28, while Caroline Coulter from Tireragh AC finished third in 40:55.

Thomas Reilly ran an outstanding race, finishing as the first of Mayo AC’s nine runners with a well-paced time of 37:47, placing 13th overall. Padraic McVann showed no signs of fatigue following his brilliant marathon run in Tokyo, clocking in at an impressive 40:40. Johnny Cribbin followed closely behind, finishing in 40:45 and earning the title of first over-60. New member Darragh Halligan made a solid debut, finishing in 41:50.

Ray Clarke continued his strong performance in Tubbercurry, crossing the line in 42:11, followed by Dee Corcoran in 45:53. After recovering from an injury, Monica Joyce aimed for a 55-minute finish but exceeded expectations with a strong run, finishing in 50:18 and retaining her first over-60 title from last year.

Angela McVann, another Tokyo marathoner, came in next at 52:51, just a few seconds shy of her time from 2024.

Finally, George Bell, competing in the M60 category, rounded out the group as the ninth and final 10k finisher, crossing the line in 57:57.

Mayo AC were second women’s club behind Sligo AC with Dee Corcoran, Monica Joyce and Angela McVann combining to win the team prize.

Other notable results on the day included Swinford AC’s Enda Murtagh who finished first over-40 in 37:10 while Michael Staunton of Westport AC won the over-70s category in 48:20.

In the 5k race, Mayo AC had two finishers – new member Elaine Lynch who came home in 21:41 in 26th place and third woman, and Mary Naylor who was first over-60 in 26:06 as she continues her comeback and getting her 5k times back down.

The 5k race winners were Cathal Gallagher of Craughwell AC (16:46) and Caitlín Hughes of Swinford AC (17:47) who was also third overall, with her huge pb meaning she is looking good to achieve standards for upcoming races.

The 10k and 5k were excellently hosted by the local South Sligo Athletic Club, supported well by their team of volunteers and also by a wide range of sponsors. As usual they organised a great festive day of sporting endeavour for all ages and levels – evidence that athletics is indeed sport for life.

There was excellent support too from John Heneghan of Core Timing and by Feidhlim Kelly of Dublin Track Club who enthusiastically called home all finishers. A grand spread of refreshments were provided for all participants and supporters at St Brigid’s Hall where South Sligo AC officials Barry Kivlehan supported by Denise Kilcoyne presented the prizes.