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28 November, 2009

Today saw the final race in a rather unusual Leinster Championship. The third race, on Lugnacoille, attracted a very large entry of 105 for a LC race (being a European Trial among other things) with a very strong contingent from NI. Most people attending today’s race were hoping a drop a very high score from the Lug race. Bob Lawlor was not amongst them (just as well, see below) he had already completed and won the LC. Pre race the M40 category was very finely poised with Martin Francis and John O’Reilly in contention, John had just to finish in the first 16 to clinch the trophy, but things did not turn out too well…..

Most people travelled to the race from a sunny Dublin but once past Tallaght into West Wicklow it was a very different day with high winds, cold and heavy mist. It was decided (from past experience) to place the marshall on duty not on the summit of Mullaghcleevaun but rather at its base where the route swings slightly to the right towards Black Hill. He managed to track about half of the runners on the way down with equal numbers missing him on either side, it really was a day for compass bearings. Bob, Pat and John were first to the top but as the results show this was a game of two halves and first home was the only not local runner Bill Fairmaner (without map or compass). Bill also won last nights hill running fancy dress going away party for Nina and Paul. The theme was “countries” and Bill cross-dressed as Jordan.

John O’Reilly blew his chance of the overall LC M40 prize with a trip to Moanban and elsewhere but Gary Moralee finish in a strong 8th position to purge a 49 from the Lug. Race. This poses an interesting dilemma for the organisers as this now brings Gary level with Martin Francis with 30 points. Although Martin beat Gary on Lug. with a 42, on count back Gary has the lowest score, an 8, which I believe, makes him the category winners (this is unofficial) but it goes to make the point that which races you show up for can make all the difference.

Beth McCluskey had already won the lady category and Roisin completed the series to win the F40. Another well know F40 runner opted instead for a road race in Rathdrum on hearing Daniel Day Lewis was competing, how is he on the hills? Bruce and Mick came through in the M50 and M60 categories.