Second Blarney man home

14 May, 2019 - Mícheál O'Mullain

Having had such an enjoyable outing on Donard last year this for me was a “must do” race this year. My ravings had unfortunately convinced my brother Brian that he would also make the long trip from Cork for this one...one more man that would be finishing ahead of me! I arrived to link up with Brian only to see my father and uncle...not to be denied... lodged in back seat of the car after deciding that they “might as well stroll up as you eejits are waiting for the start”.

A tad less than four hours later we parked up in glorious sunshine and to clear blue skies above Donard and Commedagh....though the drive along the Mayobridge to Bryansford road had shown that there were patches of snow on the upper reaches.

Being only 1100 and with time to spare we decided on a recce up to Thomas’ quarry as Brian had not descended that route before and I felt that my route through the forestry the previous year was far from optimal. I was convinced the descent from top to the quarry was right up Brian’s street but, mindful of such nonsense as I had peddled in the past, he was doubtful. After a few attempts at bushwhacking our way through clearly unsuitable routes we came across what seemed to be a diretissimma to the first bridge and, full of self congratulation, ambled back to the car to see last year’s winner Seamus Lynch just arriving.

Over at the Newcastle Centre there was a good crowd milling about..with a noticeably larger Munster contingent than last year which was good to see. Also there was a good Leinster crew as well as the usual large contingent from various clubs across the North. Registered up...great kudos to the two ladies from Newcastle AC who were paragons of efficiency at the registration desk...we waited for the start..briefly chatting with Andy Fleet of West Waterford...who gave us horror stories of his Isle of Jura experiences...and alarmed me given my utter lack of preparation for same in two weeks time...and Barry Hartnett who had come up from Tipperary that morning (via IKEA...sorry Barry!)....and was recovering from injury.

I mentioned it last year but it is worth repeating...the start of Donard is unlike any of the other IC races...and probably unlike any IMRA race..insofar as it starts on the Main Street before heading to the Donard Park entrance after a few hundred metres. This can be dangerous as the wave of emotion of a start on a town street can fool you into adapting a “5k race” mode. Do that and you will be a gibbering wreck by the time you reach the Ice House. Of course starting where it does also means you climb every foot of the thing!

After a few hundred metres the “wave of emotion” merchants were blowing bubbles. I settled into a fairly steady rhythm and soon we were out of the forestry at the Ice House and I was lodged mid table amongst a coterie of Newcastle AC vests as we jogged/quickly strode up the Glen River path whilst dodging the hikers...another feature of Donard being that its proximity to Belfast means huge (in comparison to the Reeks) crowds on the hill on the main path. Just before we hit the steep haul up to the saddle my father and uncle gave me a cheery wave on their way down. I wasn’t feeling quite so cheery at the time and just didn’t think I as moving too well.

Some joker of a hiker said “ye are nearly there lads” which...knowing the pull up from the saddle...was cruel. Trundling up from the saddle some of us stick by the wall (rocky with patches of snow) and otherss about 50 feet out from the wall (grassy). It was difficult to see which was better but one good thing about this mountain is that it doesn’t have any heartbreaking false summits so you know what you are getting.

Through the top at about 56 mins I fancied my chances of beating last year’s time (my time that is....depressingly Seamus Lynch was crossing the line as I reached the summit). This year I knew what to expect from Donard to the quarry and there is no doubt whatsoever that if one is used to descending on the Munster peaks this section is where you will make most hay being largely devoid of path, partly boulder and hole strewn in places and slippery in others.

Although it was definitely wetter underfoot this year the fact that I was in heat of battle with a group around me meant I gained time here and charged into the forest feeling good about myself and thinking my earlier recce would pay dividends. It did to a certain extent but....did you ever see that Mel Gibson film Apocalypto?....with camera angles showing natives charging through forestry...well that is what came to mind as I glanced to my right after hearing a rustle and saw a Newcastle AC vest on what was a more optimal route...aarrggh....you can’t beat local knowledge. Out of the forest and the last 500m road before the run up the pitch is hard going the legs not wanting any tarmac at that stage. It is real “cling on” territory but I guess it is the same for everyone. Across the line over 5 mins quicker and 20 places higher than last year at 69th meant I was well happy with my efforts. As I was heaving and panting in my recovery Brian jogs up to announce that he finished 3rd behind the two Newcastle lads with an impressive IMRA contingent in the top ten. Burst my bubble!

Another great outing to Down and congrats to all concerned for what was once again a great day on the hills. Next year is already in the diary!