Forristal finds a silver finish in Leinster half-marathon
The Tullamore half marathon has, for several years now, incorporated both the Leinster and county half marathons.
A popular race which, this year, attracted 1,152 participants, it is one of the more popular half marathon fixtures on the autumn racing calendar. The course takes a scenic route through some small townlands before finishing with one lap of the stadium track. The Quinlan Cup, once the prize at the prestigious Tullamore race of the same name, was awarded to the host club Tullamore Harriers with the Phyllis Delaney Cup this year going to the ladies of Mullingar Harriers.
Sally Forristal was the star of the brigade of 27 Kilkenny runners who travelled to the Offaly venue. The St Joseph’s athlete has been focusing more on half and full marathons in the aftermath of the birth of her child two years ago. With ample accolades under her belt over cross-country she has taken to her new challenge with gusto.
Forristal finished second in the Leinster half marathon with a time of 1.22.22, shaving 16 seconds off her personal best. The winner was Ciara Wilson (DMP) with Emma Furey (SLOT) in third. Forristal was also the first Kilkenny woman home with Claire Dermody from Kilkenny City Harriers (KCH) finishing eighth overall. She was second also in both the county and Leinster over-40 sections. Her clubmate Jacinta Mulroe was third in both the county and Leinster over-40 categories.
KCH finished third in the Leinster over-35 team, with Rita McGarvey backing up both Dermody and Mulroe. Kilkenny were third in the Leinster-over 35 county section. Supporting Dermody and Mulroe were Kathryn Kennedy (Gowran), Rita McGarvey (KCH), Edel Hayes (Kinnity AC), Mags Clancy (Kilkenny City Harriers). Kilkenny were fourth county in the Leinster senior women.
Sean Connery (Kings River) was the first of the Kilkennymen home, clocking a time of 1.19.55. He was followed by Denis Vasilvejs (KCH) in 53rd place, registering 1.21.11 as he passed through the finish line. Just six seconds behind him was his clubmate Colm Smyth. Connery was 12th in the Leinster over-35 section with Mick Cullen (KCH) in 15th place. Kilkenny were the seventh county in the Leinster senior county category.
Greenway Half
Some two hours South of Tullamore, the Greenway marathon formed an alternative option in the heart of the sunny South-East. Once again high numbers participated in the race with 652 finishing.
The route took in the historic village of Kilmacthomas, passing through superb scenery, including a coastal stretch towards the finish in Ballinroad. The overall winner was Conor O’Brien (Doneen) with Pat Fitzgerald (Waterford) second and Aidan Connell (West Waterford) in third.
The first Kilkenny person home was Alan Mahon (KCH) in 72nd place in a time of 1.29.56. Lisa Collins (KCH) was the winner of the women’s over-40 section with a time of 1.33.14. Kilkenny City Harriers won the women’s team title with Mary Prendergast (14), Oonagh Guilfoyle (18) and Anne Marie Shortall (46).
Performance Squads
Several Kilkenny athletes were selected on the Leinster Juvenile Performance squads which were held in Abbottstown, Dublin on Saturday. These squads are selected from those who finished in medal positions at Leinster and national championships - and who knows, may include future Olympians.
With sessions led by experienced coaches, including Thomastown AC’s Perri Williams, over 100 athletes aged 14 to 18 enjoyed good tempo workouts. Present on the day were Charlotte Carpendale, Caoimhe Phelan, James Kelsey, Kate Hayden, Lewis Morgan and Zak Fenton.
Before the training session, a talk was given to athletes on pre and post training fuelling and the importance of the athlete-coach relationship along with coping with multiple sports.