David Rouse

25 March, 2023

Cad a dhéanfaimid feasta gan IMRA?
Le chabhair ó Choillte thar barr;
Níl trácht ar Mhaurice Mullins ná Chill Mhantáin
Is ní bainfear a “tracker” go bráth.
An áit úd a gcónaíodh an RD
Fuair gradam is meidhir thar mhnáibh,
Bhíodh reathaí ag tarraingt tar toinn ann
Is an Cluain Meala Trail a rás.

This runner now knows that the N76 delivers a long and winding conclusion to the drive from Dublin to Clonmel.
It threatened, but ultimately failed to thwart registration.
Phew.

A tribute to the fantastic race organisers is due.
The ancient ruin of Cill Chais sits north along the N76, between Callan and Clonmel.
Perhaps therefore apt to adapt parts of the famous poem Cill Chais (apologies to poetry and An Ghaeilge), honouring the forests and honeyed meadows of South Tipp.
Although, whisper it, most of the race took place in County Waterford.

Particular credit and thanks to RD Deirdre O’Gorman for organising a great team.
The course was brilliantly chosen and marked, and expertly marshalled.
A joy to run.

Before reporting on the many many highlights- the race and work invested deserved multiples of the 80 or so runners who savoured the sunshine by the Suir (there's a tongue twister).
Maybe numbers were a consequence of an unfortunate calendar clash with the MM?

Memorable course features included:
> Running through the atmospheric ruins of a castle, Carey's Castle.

> Emerging from the forest climb after the water station, views of the Knockmealdowns, Galtees, and of Sliabh na mBan prompted from one runner strains of song, “Alone, all alone, by the wave-washed strand…”.

> Water crossings: the first posed a choice of fording by slippery rocks guaranteeing a fall, or ploughing through guaranteeing wet feet…wet feet won, for most.
The second more manageable, yet its prospect was enough to distract this runner.
You all know that momentary lapse of concentration, causing a trip (to Tipp), thankfully no fall, this time.

> A chorus of skylark song on open mountain, signs of the summer to come: bhí ceol binn milis na n-éan ann.
Ró-luath, b'fhéidir, don cuaichín i mbarra na ngéag.

> Passing through Holy Cross, a prayer for speed.
So much for religion, or ye of little faith?
But what a vista over Honeyed Meadow, and Suir valley.

> Finishing in a big town is unusual.
Friendly “hups” of support from residents; a boost along the final kms to Raheen College’s finish line.

> That ill-chosen slow car trip almost thwarted registration.
Via Cashel next year.
A slow run thwarted a hot shower.
Maybe only in IMRA is a cold shower luxurious, and most welcome.

> Post-race hospitality in the Hillview Sports Club; worthy of legendary feasting at Cill Chais.

Go mbeirimid ag rith ar an am seo arís i gCluain Meala.
Míle buíochas.