Jason McDermott wins Neville 10

Jason McDermott wins Neville 10!

The annual Neville 10 Mile Race took place on Sunday morning last, the 17^th of August- one of the club’s special tribute events honouring some of Tullamore Harriers’ greatest athletes. This race is dedicated to Mick Neville, a native of Lynally, near Mucklagh, an international-class runner of the 1960s.

Mick achieved remarkable times during his career, He broke both Irish and European records, earning a reputation as a fearsome competitor who famously defeated some of the top athletes of his era - including Olympic champion Abebe Bikila.

Club Chairman Adrian Curley delivered a heartfelt speech celebrating Mick’s legacy. He described Mick as “gentle in his manner but fierce on the track” - whether on cross country or the road. While untouchable in competition, he was remembered as a humble, unassuming gentleman away from it. While many present today had never had the chance to meet or race alongside him, Adrian’s words painted a vivid picture of a man worth knowing and celebrating.

The race itself began with three laps of the tartan track, with athletes set off according to the handicap system, creating an exciting, staggered chase. From there, the runners made their way out the Charleville Road towards Mucklagh, passing close to Mick Neville’s homeplace in Lynally, before turning at Kilsaran.

The return leg brought them back along the same route to the Harriers grounds, where a final lap of the track awaited - the last test in what proved a challenging but memorable 10-mile course.

Although the field was a modest 27 athletes, the staggered start made for a thrilling chase to see who would reach the finish line first. In the end, it was Jason McDermott who claimed victory after a superb run, followed by Liam Dunne in 2nd and Mary Galvin in 3rd. Niamh McEnhill took 4th, Kevin Minnock 5th, and Bryce Fraser 6th. The fastest overall time went to Mick O’Brien, while Sarah Flanagan claimed honours as the fastest lady.

The Neville family were warmly represented on the day by Mick’s sister Rita Daly (mother of Club Captain Rita Daly and member Mary Daly), his brother Vin Neville, nephew Greg Neville, and niece Frances Neville.

As always, the success of this event was down to the hard work behind the scenes. Special thanks go to Anna Hyland (Competition Secretary), Joe Wrafter (Club Handicapper), Sharon Daly (Club Secretary), and to all the marshals and officials who ensured the race ran smoothly.

A fitting tribute once again to the great Mick Neville - an inspiration to generations of Harriers.

Results: Name, Time, Handicap, Actual Time

Jason McDermott Capt. 01:31:29 00:21:10 01:10:19 Winner

Liam Dunne 01:32:44 00:19:45 01:12:59 2nd Finisher

Mary Galvin 01:33:17 00:09:10 01:24:07 3rd Finisher

Niamh McEnhill 01:33:49 00:18:25 01:15:24 4th Finisher

Kevin Minnock 01:34:22 00:37:40 00:56:42 5th Finisher

Bryce Fraser 01:35:04 00:13:40 01:21:24 6th Finisher

Paul Hensey 01:35:25 00:12:00 01:23:25

Alan Mitchell Capt. 01:35:33 00:23:10 01:12:23

Micheal O'Brien 01:35:36 00:35:30 01:00:06 Fastest Man

Hilary Duncan Capt. 01:35:40 00:07:20 01:28:20

Mary Daly 01:35:46 00:12:00 01:23:46

Jody O Reilly 01:35:54 00:27:40 01:08:14

John O'Connell 01:36:44 00:15:50 01:20:54

Emer Rigney 01:36:47 00:09:10 01:27:37

Gaelan Elliffe 01:37:09 00:25:25 01:11:44

Naomi Galvin 01:37:42 00:09:10 01:28:32

Sean Reynolds 01:38:02 00:21:10 01:16:52

Paschal Naughton 01:39:15 00:08:30 01:30:45

Eimhin Kenny 01:39:25 00:33:50 01:05:35

Liam Byrne 01:39:57 00:25:25 01:14:32

Michael Kinsella 01:40:10 00:02:45 01:37:25

Jonathan Dunne 01:41:06 00:35:30 01:05:36

Dave Dunican 01:42:42 00:21:10 01:21:32

Sarah Flanagan 01:42:43 00:27:40 01:15:03 Fastest Woman

Gerry Dunican 01:44:02 00:26:10 01:17:52

Darren Butler 01:48:16 00:35:30 01:12:46

Sandra Busteed 01:51:53 00:00:00 01:51:53

Kilcock 10 Mile

Paul Mitchell and Eileen Kenny both competed in the St Cocas hosted Kilcock 10 Mile on Sunday the 18th of August.

Paul was 7th finisher in 54.22 and Eileen clocked 1.20

Castlepollard 5K

Well done to Olive Mannion who represented the club at the long-established Castlepollard 5K.

This year’s race which was held on Wednesday the 13th of August, marked the 25th anniversary of host club North Westmeath AC. Olive ran a strong race, crossing the line in 27:57

BnM Tullamore Harriers Half Marathon

On Saturday, 30th August, Tullamore Harriers will host the annual BnM Tullamore Harriers AC Half Marathon.

Since its inaugural running in 2013, this race has grown in stature and popularity, becoming one of the most sought-after events on the athletics calendar. This year’s edition sold out in record time, highlighting the huge demand among runners to be part of this special day in Tullamore.

Headline sponsor once again is BnM, and Tullamore Harriers AC is very appreciative of the continued support from Offaly County Council, Tullamore Gardaí, Offaly Civil Defence, sponsors, supporters and the many volunteers who make the event possible.

The race starts at 10am on the Charleville Road at the junction with Dillon Street. Runners will be on the course until approximately 1:30pm. For the safety of all participants, temporary road closures will be in place along the route, and the club thanks the public in advance for their cooperation.

We look forward to welcoming athletes and supporters for another fantastic day of running in Tullamore.

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Fixtures

Saturday 30th August – BnM Tullamore Harriers Half Marathon

Senior Training

Training Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6.40pm to 8.30pm.

For any enquiries contact club captains Glen 0868275228 or Rita

0868386687