Doon
Authors
Unknown
28 November, 2009
<B><center>Doon Hill Run 2004!</center></B>
Is there any end to the “Iron Man From Toureen”?
To say that John Lenihan ran a fine race in Doon would be an under-statement. He was simply spectacular.
John , James Mc Intyre of Tulla AC and Sean Twomey of Gneeveguilla AC broke from the main bunch in the first mile. Sean dropped off the pace quickly, leaving John and James to slog it out.
John injected some pace into the proceedings at the 2 mile mark and opened up a gap on Mc Intyre which left him with a lead of 20 seconds at the turning point. He added to this lead on the descent as is his wont and came in to finish on 41.10 – a minute and twenty two seconds quicker than his 2003 finishing time. Mc Intyre finished on the absolutely brilliant time of 42.12 , 20 seconds quicker than Lenihan’s 2003 finishing time and this is merely his fourth mountain race ever. Do we have a new discovery ?
A real battle for the minor placings ensued between Martin Bradshaw and Willie Reidy where no quarter was given or indeed taken. A mere 14 seconds separated them on the line when Bradshaw shaded it on 43.13 with Reidy hot on his heels on 43.27.
Loretto Duggan of St Mary’s put in a fine performance to win the Ladies category on 56.25 from the pre-race favourite Kate Moyna of Riocht AC who finished on 59.25. Patricia Blackburn of Bilboa AC was 3rd on a time of 1:06:16. Sam Hand of Kilmallock AC was the first Junior man after putting in a fine performance to finish on a superb time of 50.29.
A great day tinged with sadness!
A minute’s silence was observed before the start of the race as a mark of respect to two great friends of mountain running ,local men Jim Burke and Timmy Shanahan, both of whom passed away during the year. Timmy competed in last year’s Doon Hill Run and Jim gave a rousing comentary on the event. Ar dheis De go raibh a nAnamacha Uasal!
Every- body present was invited back to the Lonergan house-hold after the race to be treated to a feast of delicious home-made food, prepared by Kitty , relations , neighbours and friends .Paddy was complimented on the high standard of the course which he had prepared. The Irish Mountain Running Association wishes to thank Paddy and Kitty Lonergan for their hospitality once again. Our thanks goes to Bilboa Athletic Club for their sponsorship of the event and to Paddy Lonergan for providing an abundance of prizes. Superb changing facilities were provided once again this year in the factory by the local entrepeneur.
We thank him once again.
