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28 November, 2009

2002 Races
Hell Fire Flicker League race 1 - Report by Eva Mulleady
"Happy May Day" grimaced one of my fellow competitors as we huddled together waiting to "sign on". A lively debate was underway as to the best gear to wear - would anyone be brave enough to run in singlet and shorts? Should it be thermals and leggings? Should one wear Walshs or just trail shoes? Never let anyone say that hill runners don't take their dress code seriously! Jane and Graham (making the most of the inclement conditions) had already busied themselves running a cloakroom from their campervan and were trying to sell tickets!
The evening of the 1st May was the start of the Leinster League and 91 seniors and 3 juniors braved the monsoon-like deluges to glean valuable points in this 13 race series.
The field took off and a substantial sized group including Paul Nolan, Gerry Brady, and Aonghus O'Cleirig took up the lead. Paul Nolan surged and a small but not decisive break was made. The group scrambled up to the steep path to the summit of Montpelier Hill where stands the ruins of the infamous Hell Fire Club. Placings changed on the initial descent but once the underfoot conditions improved Aonghus closed and overtook Gerry who at that point was in 2nd. Paul, despite taking a fall, showed a clean pair of heels to the finish line with the fast finishing Aonghus hot on his heels. Gerry Brady who is now based in Dublin took third and confided this was his first Leinster League race in 10 years. It certainly looks like the M40 class will be an extremely competitive one this summer.
In the Ladies' race Emma Sokell took up the lead from the start and weathered a strong challenge from club mate Mary O'Connell on the steep ride up to Hell Fire. Once the going improved Emma sped to victory and finished comfortably. A fine battle for third place took place between Dara Lalor, your author and Jane Watt. In securing third place by mere seconds my lungs are reminding me of the fact even this morning!
A strong run and an overall eight placing by speedy junior Sean O'Heigeartaigh ensured him 1st Junior prize.
Graham Porter had taken close stock of the competitors before the start and was delighted to find that many of his rivals had stayed away. To say he was unimpressed when a late starting Ercus Stewart loomed on his shoulder at the Hell Fire Monument would be an understatement but Graham had a fine run and looks to be regaining his form to take First Supervet.
Maurice Mullins won the M60 class with Jane Watt first Lady Supervet.