Unknown

28 November, 2009

"Excuse me sir, are those your bags?" the barwoman at the pub inquired pointing at two rucksacks alongside the wall. "No, but they probably belong to people in the group", we said while frantically inputting the results in the half light.

There came an "Oh" and then the "Some people were wondering.... suspicious.... you're certain?"

"Yes, we're pretty sure" Karen & I continued inputting, cross referencing and all the exciting things you have to do in the pub while putting the results together over the happy post race hubbub.

Some minutes passed and then there was the anxious face at our shoulder again. "Sorry sir, you're sure they're your bags?"
"Pretty sure" we chorused.
"Well people here are worried.... bombs.... American tourists ..... suspicious .... terrorists .... very concerned" the face nodded indicating the concern centre was the couple behind us.

"OK" said I, "I'll check" and went over to the two alleged "bombs" and opened them up to reveal sundry underclothes and various items of running apparel.

"Nope, nothing there, nothing to worry about!" I said, watching the couple behind us climbing up from under the table and staring at us in horror through their fingers.

Sat back again, and we continued for a few moments before a somewhat befuddled face appeared and slurred that what I had just done was very dangerous, and showed no consideration for the risk I might have put them in. We then got repeated variations on the themes of danger, terrorism, US visitors, suspicious packages, bombs, and reckless disregard for their safety for a number of minutes though a powerful stench of drink. She wouldn?t go away until finally she was told that she might have had one drink too many by my more than able keyboard companion. The face then staggered off in a huff.

We resumed typing.

Padraig MacCriostail won in 33.50 beating Eoin Keith and Cormac Conroy. John Farrelly took the M40s and Laura Flynn whistled through the field to win the women?s race. We had another increase on last year?s entry but not as big as last week?s 25% growth.

Thanks to everyone who helped. You were all great. You could say that the race went with a bang, but that might be in poor taste.......

PS Check the results to ensure that your name is there. If not, ring or text me at 086-6069316