SEMPLE STADIUM – KIRWAN PARK ACHIEVED Saturday 18th October saw 14 courageous volunteers brave the harsh weather conditions and complete the Thurles – Touraneena fundraising run for the Sliabh gCua/St. Mary’s Gaa Club. Originally arranged for the August bank holiday weekend, it was postponed due to bereavement in the parish. After a ferocious Friday night, a tough battle was in store. Starting in Thurles outside Sarlsfields club house, Johnny Mcgrath was the first of the relay team to attack the challenge. Johnny powered out of Thurles via Dr. Morris Park, putting in a very quick 3 miles. Next to ‘carry the baton’ was Grainne Hallinan, running at a fantastic pace towards the beautiful village of Holycross. A very determined Aisling Hallinan was next up, passing the picturesque Hollycross Abbey. Aisling breezed through her section of the route. Our club secretary J.P. JP Fitzpatrick who substituted for his injured wife Claire, looked very comfortable as he set off in the direction of Boherlahan. J.P. was drafted in at the last minute, always giving his heart to the club. Up next was chief organiser of the whole event, Pat Keane. Pat is not long back in action after injuries that have kept him off the road racing scene for almost 12 months. Pat passed the iconic “Rock of Cashel”, through the town and headed across the motorway towards New Inn. Runner no.6 was Sarah Gleeson. Nursing a bald flu, Sarah produced her “never say die” attitude as she ran through hurricane winds on the wide open road outside Rockwell College. Sue Genc took over the reins near New Inn. Sue is a running enthusiast, which was very obvious with her consistent pace both up and down climbs. Miles 21-24 were completed by Maria Gleeson. Relatively new to running, Maria put in an enormous effort here, meeting 3/4 hills with steep gradients. Like her sister Sarah, Maria took her section in her stride and cruised towards Barne Lodge refusing to take a second for a breather. Picking up from Maria was Declan Roche. Declan produced a blistering time and probably had the quickest time of the day. Declan made his run look effortless and seems very comfortable running. Kate Tobin was next in line. Kate took on a very challenging section of the run, heading over the hills of Knocklofty and onto the Newcastle road. With wind speeds & rain picking up, Kate put in a very impressive effort. Long time Sliabh gCua stalwart Tom Condon is still competing with times that he did 20 years ago. Tom never tired during his stretch, even on the difficult climb known as Ministers hill on the far side of Newcaslte. On the high bridge outside Newcastle, over the river Suir, Mush Keane passed through the village and then faced the dreaded New Line hill. James Condon was number 13, which was defiantly unlucky. James had to climb the steepest slope of the day, again with gale force winds, finished the New Line and took the left turn towards Ballinamult. The finish was in-sight. Sliabh gCua/St. Mary’s Chairman Mike Murray was our last volunteer. Mike sailed through Priesttown, crossing the Tipperary/Waterford border into Ballinamult and ascended the Barrick Hill with ease. Crossing through the gates of Kirwan Park, the run was complete. The club and the Friends of Sliabh gCua committee would like to thank everyone who helped out in any way. We would like to thank our sponsorship card sellers along with the people who bought a line. You support and generosity has been greatly appreciated. We would like to wish a speedy recovery to our original volunteers Brendan Tobin, Claire Fitzpatrick and Marie Coffey who all had to withdraw with nasty injuries. Brendan, Claire and Marie had been 100% committed to participate but were unfortunately sidelined. To Mairead Tobin, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes setting up our social media site on facebook. Mairead had work commitments at the weekend and was unable to attend. Thanks to our substitutes on the day, who were JP Fitzpatrick, Grainne Hallinan, James Condon & Declan Roche. Also to Pauline Cliffe, who was on hand as a further sub.
Posted on: Mon, 20 Oct 2014 21:07:37 +0000
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