Easter roundup: Belcarra, Aclare, Carney

After the Kilmovee 10k there were more races this week and members were out today in support of various causes, while some were getting a final race test ahead of the National 10k next Sunday in the Phoenix Park.

It was a fine day for racing with just a light breeze and dry conditions. We had over 25 finishers at Belcarra 8k  – 21 of them among the first fifty. Well done to Brendan Hession who led them home in third overall and to Colette, Kathy and Anne who claimed the podium positions in the women’s race. Anne is also part of the organising committee and helped out by Ann McDonnell. Our other finishers are listed on the results file attached.

Over at Aclare the terrain was much more undulating compared to the flatlands of Belcarra. Their 8k started and finished at Kilmactigue Community Centre. There were 108 runners/walkers and the event in aid of Gallagher House was well supported by both adjacent ACs – South Sligo and Swinford  – as well as the local community. Mayo AC member Padraic McVann was among the lead organisers with Martina Kennedy from Gallagher House and like Belcarra there was ample and welcome post race refreshments for all – and a goodie bag for all who entered.

Out and about while training this week it was good to see the swallows have arrived after their annual marathon flight from Africa and hear the haunting cry of the curlew over our wetlands – one of Ireland’s most iconic and threatened species.

Easter Monday: Lissadell Carney 10k (253 finishers, results www.oxfield.ie)  Anto Devaney M40 (Mayo AC) 16th in 37:50.
Winners: Men: Emmett Dunleavy 32:10; Women Lucy Brennan 39:42 –  both Sligo AC

Sunday April 3: Belcarra 8k. Proceeds in aid of the Sports Centre (161 finishers results Belcarra Provisional Results  )

Men 1 Richard Gorman M40 (Sligo AC) 26:27, 2 Peter Tuohy 29:28, 3 Brendan Hession M35 (Mayo AC) 29:33 Women 1 Colette Tuohy W45 (Mayo AC) 31:11, 2 Kathy Gleeson (Mayo AC) 32:02, 3 Anne Heaney (Mayo AC) 34:06

Aclare 8k – 108 finishers (in aid of Gallagher House) Men 1 Naoise Leonard (Swinford AC) 29:56, 2 Peter Hynes M50 (Swinford AC) 30:54, Sean Murtagh (South Sligo AC) 31:26; Women 1 Mari Johnston W45 (Sligo AC) 33:36, 2 Maria Durkin 34:46, 3 Elaine Lynch 36:16

Mayo AC finishers: Tom Hunt M65 34:24, Clive Lavelle 34:50, Angela McVann 38:04, Ann Murray 38:12