Dermot Murphy

30 April, 2012

The first race of the 2012 Leinster League kicked off in Bray. Strong winds and rain left people wondering if the race would go ahead early in the day, but conditions were not too bad in the end. The Martello Bar offered their premises for registration and after race refreshment and given the evening that was in it, everyone was glad to take advantage of the indoor lounge for registration. I'd say more than one person was tempted to stay in front of the warm fire before the start! It was also great to catch up with Francis Cosgrove, back in Ireland on holiday with his family. Francis was a regular IMRA runner back in the 90's, which included some epic battles with John Lenihan on Carrauntoohil - Francis was runner up to John 5 times in a row in the late 90's!

Probably because of the weather, but there was not as many out as we might have expected - but still 180 brave (or mad?) souls toed the line. As usual, there was a stampede along the tarmac road to get a good position before the track narrows up the cross. Because the wind and wet rock, it was wisely decided to skip out the cross and from there the race went on up to far summit at Bray head. Just before I came to the final climb, the leaders passed me on the way home, with very little separating Tristan Drute, Eanna Cunnane and John Brennan. The worst of the wind was at the turn around point - special mention must go to Adrian Tucker who manned that point for the duration of the race - it was easily the toughest job of the night! There was mostly a headwind coming back, but at least it was blowing you away from the cliffs!

Tristan Drute managed to out sprint Eanna Cunnane for first place - John Brennan picked up an injury on the descent and eventually limped home in forth - Kyle Heron nipped in to take third. In the ladies race, Rosalind Hussey had a strong race from the start to take the win with Karen O'Hanlon in second, while first timer Aisling Growney just managed to hold on the third from Deirdre Fitzsimons. The full list of the category winners are on the results pages. So back to the Martello for soup, sandwiches and the prize giving. Most people I talked seemed to enjoy the evening - certainly better than sitting at home watching the football! Finally thanks to Laura and all the volunteers who made the race happen for the rest of us.

Rene Borg

25 April, 2012

TEAM RESULTS

MEN
1. Boards AC 55 (14 Angus Tyner, 20 John Ahern, 21 Fergal Connolly)
2. UCD 68 (7 Zoran Skrba, 15 Niall Fox, 46 John Kirwan)
3. Rathfarnham WSAF 254 (4 John Brennan, 25 Mike Long, 125 Kevin Grogan)
4. Glenasmole 260 (62 Cillian Stewart, 74 Thomas Galvin, 124 Ercus Stewart)

LADIES
1. Dunboyne (40 Karen O'Hanlon, 98 Deirdre Fitzsimons, 137 Claire Keegan)