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28 November, 2009

Crohaun (Comeragh mountains) - Report by Matt Twomey
Tom Blackburn of Bilboa AC arrived at Crohaun on Sunday with one ambition and that was to test the mettle of his younger clubmate Martin Bradshaw regardless of any other competition. Their battle in the recent Doon race was the most exciting encounter of the 2003 Munster season to date. Both are very capable mountain runners and both are ultra competitive.
Tom led out the race with Bradshaw chasing for the first 4 K. Bradshaw hit the front at this point and opened a lead of 10 M at the mast. Blackburn came back at him, hit the front and led through the woods setting a blistering pace. It was neck and neck to the closing 150 Metres when Bradshaw found another gear and sprinted for the line. He finished on 50.22 just ahead of the tiring Blackburn on 50.24. Sean Whelan of Eagle AC ran a fine race to finish 3rd on 52.25 from the exciting new prospect Richard O'Donnell of Tulla AC who was 4th on 52.36.
Comeragh born Phyllis Flynn of the UK based Stragglers Club did a bit of a Sorenstam when she came in ahead of many of her male counterparts on 61.12 to win the Ladies. Defending Munster Champion Blaithin Hannon of St Finbarrs AC, who had helped to check the course before the race, was 2nd on 63.06. Trish Blackburn of Bilboa AC was 3rd when she finished on 78.35.
Cityman John Kinsella won the Waterford County Championship when he finished on the excellent time of 55.47 from Conor Murray of the host club West Waterford AC on 58.48. Mark Vespa of the host club was 3 rd on 60.04.
Michael Deegan of the host club won the County M40 Category when he finished on 85.48 from clubmate Pat Dalton on 92.57. Top M50 of the meeting was Martin Sandford of the West Waterford club which also made him Waterford County Champion in this grade.
Siobhan O'Mahony of West Waterford AC won the County F35 category and her clubmate Aisling O'Shea was the top County Senior Lady.
Officers of the Munster Region of IMRA wish to thank Tim, Billy and Tara Foley and Tony Ryan for producing a superbly marked and well stewarded course. They wish to thank Mr Michael Daly junior and Mr Michael Daly senior of Bridgie Terries for their sponsorship and hospitality. They wish to thank Mr James Veal, Chairman of West Waterford AC for putting the resources of the club behind the event. They wish to thank the land-owners. They wish to thank Mary Rose Dromey who selected the beautiful prizes. Last but not least, they wish to thank Mr Tom Foley of Deelish who welcomed us, provided the Water Stop and helped at the finish. It was a great day!