International masters medals for Tullamore Harriers' athletes

Eileen Kenny, along with our other club representative Stephen Byrne, joined 134 Irish Master athletes who competed among 4,185 athletes from 54 countries, ranging in age from 35 to 87 years, from the 9^th to the 19^th of October.

There was never a doubt that Eileen Kenny would put on a great show at the European Masters Athletics Championships, and she certainly did.

Eileen Kenny.

A seasoned international competitor, Eileen (from Athlone) has represented Ireland on numerous occasions, winning gold medals at both European and World Championship events. Her achievements are a source of inspiration, showing just what can be accomplished at any age. In athletics, we cannot hide our age and at 75 years of age, Eileen has more than plenty to be proud of- clocking times that many people, half her age could only dream of.

Eileen currently holds the Irish O70s record in outdoor track for 800 metres, 3000m and 5000m. She also holds the record in her age category in the 5km (22.20), 10km (45.28) and has run a best half marathon time of 1.43:33.

To cap that, she also holds the O70s 4 x 800m and the O75 4 x 800m Relay World Record.

In sunny Madeira, Eileen triumphed on not one but 4 events:

Gold (Individual) & Silver (Team) in the 6K Cross Country (32:45).

Bronze in the 5K (25:56)

Silver (Individual) & Silver (Team, O65) in the 10K Road Race (49:09)

Stephen Byrne too had an action packed 10 days.

Competing in the O50 age category, Cloneygowan man Stephen took part in four events: the 100m, 200m, the O45 4x100m relay, and the 4 x 400m relay, rounding off a fantastic week of athletics.

In the 100m, Stephen finished 2nd in his heat (12.18), progressed to the semi-final, and then placed 8th overall in the final (12.38), a brilliant performance against top European competition.

In the 200m, Stephen battled tough conditions, drawing a heat with a strong 3.7 headwind, yet still ran a strong 25.21 for 4th place, narrowly missing a semifinal spot by just 0.02 seconds.

To cap off a superb championship, Stephen joined teammates Brian Boyce, Keith Pollard, and Ger Cremin on the O45 4 x100m relay team, where the Irish quartet secured a podium finish (45.22) and a well-deserved silver medal.

But Stephen wasn’t done yet - he also lined out on the O45 4x 400m relay team alongside Brian Boyce, Ger Cremin, and Ross Miotti, where the team delivered an outstanding run to take another silver medal for Ireland.

A huge congratulations to Eileen and Stephen on a brilliant set of performances and for representing both Tullamore Harriers and Ireland with distinction.

Barry wins Paddy Larkin 3k

The Paddy Larkin 3K, which formed Round 7 of the Tullamore Harriers Club League, was held on Tuesday, October 14th, on a calm and pleasant autumn night.

This event is a tribute to the late Paddy Larkin, one of the founding members of Tullamore Harriers Paddy and honorary secretary of the club from its formation in 1953 to his passing on October 14th, 2006.

Club Chairman Adrian Curley warmly welcomed the 41 participants to this special annual event. Michael Larkin, son of the late Paddy Larkin, was present at the start, with other family members joining in spirit to mark the occasion.

Before the race, Adrian gave a heartfelt tribute to Paddy, as he always does. Adrian reminded everyone that Paddy was a remarkably young man when he and the other founding members took it upon themselves to develop the club we enjoy today - a vision and huge commitment that remain commendable even by today’s standards.

Paddy devoted his lifetime to the growth and success of Tullamore Harriers and is undoubtedly responsible for the wonderful facilities we are privileged to have today.

The Paddy Larkin 3K itself is a unique race covering 3,000 metres on a figure-eight loop, incorporating both the stadium track and the outer tarmac track.

Well done to all who competed. Congratulations to Barry Mooney who was the race winner. Barry continues his good running form to take the win in 9.59, with Jonathan Dunne, last year's winner in 2nd and Padraig Berry 3rd.

1st lady was Niamh McEnhill, Nita McLoughlin was 2nd, and Maeve Larkin was 3rd.

Full results:

1st Barry Mooney 9.59

2nd Jonathan Dunne 10.16

3rd Padraig Berry 10.52

4th Daniel Molloy 11.10

5th Nigel Cunningham 11.18

6th David Hollywood 11.21

7th Jody O Reilly 11.23

8th Alan Heffernan 11.32

9th Jason McDermott Capt. 11.38

10th Alan Mitchell Capt. 11.40

11th Jonathan King 11.49

12th Liam Byrne 11.52

13th Sean Reynolds 11.59

14th Niamh McEnhill 12.01

15th Eanna Gowran 12.34

16th Micheal O'Brien 12.34

17th James Fleming 12.37

18th Nita McLoughlin 12.59

19th Maeve Larkin 13.04

20th Francis Mollen 13.16

21st Elysia McCormack 13.28

22nd John Carroll 13.43

23rd Michelle Mullaney 13.50

24th Paul Hensey 13.53

25th Marie Donegan 13.55

26th Mary Galvin 14.06

27th Mary Daly 14.08

28th Emer Rigney 14.28

29th Sorcha Galvin 14.33

30th Naomi Galvin 14.59

31st Paschal Naughton 15.09

32nd Sara McLaughlin 15.19

33rd Conor Gavin 15.27

34th Hilary Duncan Capt. 15.32

35th Michael Kinsella 15.42

36th Olive Mannion Capt. 15.52

37th Liz Ryan 15.58

38th Martina Lydon 16.00

39th Sandra Busteed 16.01

40th Sharon Daly 16.01

41st Martina Conlon 16.11

Following the race, the annual club Mass was held to honour Paddy and to acknowledge deceased members from the past year. The Mass was celebrated by Fr. Ciarán McGovern, who is based in County Longford, but has been a long-standing club member and dear friend of Tullamore Harriers for many years.

Thanks to Sean Reynolds, the Mass was streamed remotely, allowing others to join. We were delighted to welcome Life Club President Brendan O’Shea in person and to be joined remotely by Life Club President Mick Hayden. The families of our departed members -John McGowan, Jim Dolan, and John Conlon, who passed away during the past year were present. While it is a poignant and reflective occasion, it is hoped some comfort is felt while remembering those who were a special part of the club.

To round off a very special evening, refreshments were served, where plenty of tea, chat, laughter, and fond memories were shared. A special mention goes to Club Secretary Sharon Daly (a niece of Paddy Larkin) for her tireless work in preparing the spread of treats for all - just as she does on so many occasions.

A huge well done and thank you to everyone who attended, helped, and contributed to making the evening such a meaningful and special occasion.

Irish University Cross Country Championships.

Evelyn Coughlan represented Trinity College Dublin at the IUAA Cross Country Championships held in Tymon Park, Dublin on Saturday October 11^th.

Evelyn ran superbly, completing the 5K course in 17:55 to finish 13th overall and as second scorer for the Trinity team. In the team standings, Trinity College Dublin finished in 4th place.

Autumn Cross Country

The club was proudly represented by three athletes at the 9th edition of the National Autumn Open Cross Country, held in Abbotstown on Sunday, October 19th.

This year’s event formed part of the World Athletics Cross Country Tour and served as a trial event for the British and Irish Masters Cross Country Championships.

In the Senior Men’s 8000m race, Michael Murphy had an excellent run, staying with the leading pack for most of the race. After a brief fall that pushed him back from 3rd to 5th place, Michael recovered strongly and finish in a superb 4th position, just 9 seconds off the bronze medal.

In the Masters Men’s 8000m event, the Minnock brothers -Barry and Kevin, both ran very well. Kevin, the newly crowned Offaly Masters Cross Country Champion for 2025 following his victory in Faithful Fields last weekend, continued his fine form with another brilliant effort to take 4th place in a very competitive O35 category.

Barry also impressed in the O50 age group, which featured a strong field, running superbly to claim a 3rd place finish.

Barry Minnock in action at the Autumn Open Cross Country.

Results:

Michael: 25.06

Kevin: 27.06

Barry: 28.39

Wedding Bells!

Congratulations to Miriam Brady and Denis Flynn on their recent marriage. Best wishes for years of health and happiness from all your friends at Tullamore Harriers AC

Fixtures

Saturday 25^th October – Leinster Novice, U20 & Juvenile Even Ages @Gowran, Co Kilkenny

Sunday 2^nd November, - Offaly Intermediate & Juvenile Uneven Ages @ The Faithful Fields, Kilcormac.

Saturday 8^th of November – Leinster Senior & Juvenile Uneven Ages @ Kilbeggan Racecourse.

Saturday 8^th of November – Offaly Awards Ceremony @ Tullamore Court Hotel.

Sunday 23rd November - Athletics Ireland National Senior Junior & Juvenile Even-Age Cross-Country Championships @ Derry

Saturday 29^th of November – Leinster B and Juvenile Mixed Relays @ Stradbally.

Sunday 30^th November – Offaly Senior Cross Country Championships @ The Faithful Fields, Kilcormac

Sunday 7th December - Athletics Ireland National Novice and Juvenile Uneven Age Cross Country Championships @Abbotstown, Dublin

SEE NEXT: Kilcormac-Killoughey hold off sensational Shinrone second half fightback to win second three in a row

Senior Training

Training Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6.40pm to 8.30pm. For any enquiries contact club captains Glen 0868275228 or Rita 0868386687