Offaly running brothers shine in Leeds

Congratulations to Barry and Kevin Minnock, who proudly donned the Irish vest on Saturday last (15^th November), at the British and Irish Masters Home Countries Cross Country International.

The event, now in its 36th year and regarded as the most prestigious Masters cross-country competition, took place at Roundhay Park in Leeds, a regular venue for the English National Cross-Country Championships.

Teams from Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland competed across five-year age categories from 35 to 80.

More than 80 Irish Masters athletes lined out for what proved to be an exceptionally demanding race. Heavy rain across Ireland in recent days was mirrored in northern England, leaving the course extremely heavy, sloppy and challenging underfoot. Coupled with the naturally hilly terrain, with one very steep climb, the conditions pushed every athlete to their limits and even these well-seasoned runners found it very difficult.

Both men raced the 8k distance. Barry delivered a superb performance, as first Irish scorer on the M50 team, and helping secure an outstanding team silver.

Kevin, making his Irish debut, was equally impressive. He was the third Irish scorer on the M35 team, who also captured silver medals.

A memorable day for both Minnock brothers and congratulations on your well-earned medals.

Kevin: 29.38

Barry: 30.39

Jack wins Burlington 2 mile

The final leg of the 2025 Club League took place on Sunday, 15 November, in the surrounds of the Burlington Industrial Estate, Tullamore. This concluding event -a fast and competitive 2-mile race, rounded off a league that featured many of the club’s most cherished races throughout the year: the McNamara 5, the Gowran 8, the Neville 10, the Peter English, and the Paddy Larkin. Each holds a special place in the club’s history and traditions.

All club athletes were divided into four teams, adding camaraderie and friendly rivalry to the league. Well done to the captains: Hilary Duncan, Alan Mitchell, Jason McDermott and Olive Mannion, who rallied their teammates and encouraged them at every race. We now await the announcement of the overall winning team.

25 athletes lined up for the start inside the Burlington Industrial estate and made their way towards the Clara Road exit, turning left to the Axis Roundabout where they again turned left to run alongside the industrial estate boundary before returning back into the estate once again to the finish line.

Jack Donegan was a clear winner from the start, completing the 2 miles in just under 10 minutes.

Jonathan Dunne was 2nd and Daniel Molloy 3rd.

The 1st lady was Pauline Curley, Niamh McEnhill was 2nd and Michelle Mullaney was 3rd.

NAME TIME

Jack Donegan 9.59

Jonathan Dunne 11.01

Daniel Molloy 11.52

Darren Butler 12.03

Gearoid McHugh 12.15

Nick McGowan 12.16

Alan Mitchell Capt. 12.39

Lorcan Scally 12.42

Pauline Curley 12.49

Diarmuid Herlihy 12.59

Jason McDermott Capt. 13.03

Niamh McEnhill 13.04

Liam Byrne 13.05

John Donegan 13.13

James Fleming 13.20

Michelle Mullaney 13.24

John Carroll 14.30

Mary Galvin 15.08

Naomi Galvin 15.31

Hilary Duncan Capt. 15.31

Mary Daly 15.32

Sharon Daly 16.40

Olive Mannion Capt. 16.53

Paschal Naughton 17.01

Sandra Busteed 18.05

Cardiff Cross Challenge

Danielle Donegan lined out against very stiff competition at the World Athletics Cross Country Tour Gold event in Cardiff on Saturday, 8^th of November. She was joined by fellow Irish international athlete Mary Mulhare. Danielle produced a strong run in the 6.4k race, finishing 7th in 21:20 after a tight sprint finish. Portlaoise AC’s Mary Mulhare wasn’t far behind, coming home in 18th place and showing solid form against a top-class field. Next up for Danielle is the National Senior Cross Country Championships in Derry this weekend.

Fixtures

Sunday 23rd November - Athletics Ireland National Senior Junior &

Juvenile Even-Age Cross-Country Championships @ Derry

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

Sunday 30th November – Offaly Senior Cross Country Championships @The Faithful Fields, Kilcormac – 9.30am

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

Sunday 21^st December – Christmas Grand National Club race- 9am

SEE NEXT: “We just lost control of the game” - Tullamore manager

Senior Training

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

For any enquiries contact club captains Glen 0868275228 or Rita

0868386687