Tipperary Athletics: What a fantastic fortnight for Fethard AC with more county medals

What a fantastic two weeks it has been for Fethard AC. Last Sunday week we had Louis Rice winning the Tipperary Novice Road Race title at Moyne and seven days later his club mate and training buddy Emmet McNamara captured the Tipperary County Intermediate title in Galbally in fine style, with Louis in the silver medal position.

MEN'S RACE
The men’s 8k race set off as an another heavy shower of rain was pushing in. As the runners left Galbally village the race was led by two Fethard AC athletes, Louis and Emmet, with Barry Hartnett of Dundrum AC paying close attention to both. The Fethard duo continued to dictate the pace, running shoulder to shoulder and eventually found themselves out in front alone, bounding along and competing for the top prizes.

As they began to reach the turn back into Galbally, Emmet managed to get an advantage as he sprinted for the finish line, taking gold in 27.06, with Louis just six seconds behind in 27.12 winning silver.

As we looked back through the course we waited with anticipation for the next Fethard AC singlet. Our next man home was club stalwart Fintan Rice, running a terrific race in 30:27. Then Joseph Morgan made up our scoring team with another fantastic run in 31:58.

These four combined to secure the County Intermediate silver medals and ensure another historic day for the Fethard AC Club.
We also had great performances from Jack Spillane, who came home in a time of 32:17 and John Hurley, who finished in 38:43. MJ Croke wisely pulled up with a calf injury and we wish him the best of luck in his recovery.

Marie Carroll, Laura Earley and Carol Molloy, who represented Fethard AC at the County Intermediate Road Championships hosted by Mooreabbey Milers at Galbally on Sunday last. Following on from her bronze medal in the novice event the previous Sunday, Laura Earley also took third place in the intermediate championship race on Sunday, in what has been a wonderful debut year for her.

WOMEN’S RACE
The Women’s 4k race started with a 1k uphill section from the village square, where the finish line shoot was set up. Our team of Laura Earley, Carol Molloy and Marie Carroll set off amongst an experienced group of runners.

We were hopeful that Laura could replicate her performance in the previous week’s county novice when she won the bronze medal. As with that event, Laura was making another championship debut. She set off with the intention of setting a steady pace, positioning herself amongst the leaders from the start. True to form, Laura ensured it was another historic day for our club as she came home in third place in 15:24. It has been a fantastic debut season for Laura in Fethard AC.

She was part of a team that included Carol Molloy, who was our second lady home in 17:46, with Marie Carroll in 18:29. Both Carol and Marie are making huge gains with every race and we congratulate the ladies on a fantastic road season to date.

Sunday last was another historic day for Fethard AC and that’s a narrative we will never tire of in these reports as all our hard working members, families and committee are truly committed to ensuring our small club means business.

Our fellow club member and County Board chairman Owen Fanning acknowledged what a proud day it was for Fethard AC. He thanked all the various club members and many stewards for their amazing support on the day.

A sncere thank you is also extended to our friends at Mooreabbey Milers AC for the refreshments and presentations held after the race, capping off a great day all round.