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28 November, 2009

ROUND MOUNTAIN RACE
Report from the front - our man in the second placed shoes - Simon Walters
First Leinster Championship race of the season saw a field of 30 contest a fairly open and competitive race. A large leading group eventually whittled down to 5 runners who led the field for the first mile and a half of gradual climb up a forestry road. Aaron Cummiskey then upped the pace and opened up a significant lead before the race moved onto the open mountain. He held his position as he strongly climbed up Round Mountain - however Aaron gave incentive to the chasing pack as he visibly started to tire on the short but steep climb back up to the forestry road. Junior Patrick O'Reilly who had run strongly in 2nd place also tired at this point and was overtaken by the ageing legs of Simon Walters, Chris Carroll and Joe Feeney. Patrick eventually finished as first junior in 5th position overall.
On the descent however, Aaron managed to recover enough to run strongly down to hold on to his lead and eventually finished a comfortable enough winner half a minute ahead of Simon Walters in 2nd place, who was closely followed by the closing Chris Carroll and Joe Feeney.
First senior woman home was Dervla Mulligan, 40 seconds ahead of 1st Veteran woman Mary Havern. Irish schools champion Dervla was disappointed with her time, but delighted with the win. "I got a dreadful stitch and was lucky to struggle through it for the win", the Cavan girl admitted later.
Thanks to the Eamonn McMahon and the organisers for what was a friendly and well organised race. There were prizes for winners of all categories, refreshments after the race and everybody went away with a spot prize. Definitely worth the journey up from Dublin next year!!!