Congratulations to everyone who made the journey to Kilkenny yesterday and contributed to what was a very successful day out for Rathfarnham athletes, with a host of medal winning performances.
First race of the day was the combined Novice & Masters women's 3k, in which Louise Cassidy was 3rd Novice in 11.39. The Masters team of Vanessa Sallier (11.47), Zoe Melling (11.59, 3rd O/40) and Miriam McCormack (12.01, 2nd O/45) won club silver, with Vanessa and Zoe also scoring on the winning Dublin county team. Fidelma Ayres demonstrated a fine return to racing form with a winning debut in the F50 category in 12.16, followed by Helen Ingram with silver in 12.24. Aisling Tohill finished 14th of the novice women in 12.45.
In the 6k Novice Men's race, Paul McGovern had an excellent run to finish 2nd in 19.49, closely followed by Louis McCarthy (4th in 19.55), Ian Ingram (9th in 20.13), and John Brennan (10th in 20.25). All four picked up gold club and county medals.
Last off but not least were the Masters Men, who ran the same gruelling 4 lap course as the Novice Men. Having kept enough lung power in reserve after blowing out 35 birthday candles a few days earlier, Paul Fleming made an excellent debut as a Master, finishing 3rd overall in 19.12 and winning silver in his category. Next home from the club was Owen McLoughlin in 20.43 (2nd O/45), followed by John Farrelly (21.49), Derek Bain (22.51), Terry Clarke (23.16), Philip Wright (23.26, 2nd O/55), and John McHugh (23.30). the 0/45 team of Owen ,john f. and terry also did the double of winning gold in both club and county. Well done to all.
Full results are on the Athletics Leinster website, and photos are in the gallery.