A busy time of festivities at home, mixed with local races all over the country. We bring you a round-up of how Rathfarnham athletes got on.
Nearly 500 athletes kicked off 2022 with the Tom Brennan 5km in the Phoenix Park. First home for Rathfarnham was Shane O'Neill in 9th with 15:51. Also ran Jonathan Hughes, Peter Toomey, Colm Moran, Pearse Coyle, Suzanne Ryan and Orla Murray.
Before Christmas, things started in north Cork at the speedy Newmarket Christmas Cracker 5km, where a host of Olympic and pro athletes took part. Michelle Finn and Paul O'Donovan the Tokyo Olympians, with local pro cyclist Eddie Dunbar also running a handy 15:26. Paul Stephenson was our representative.
Laura McDonnell continued her good form, finishing 2nd at the Drogheda & District AC Christmas 5km in 17:23.
The GOAL mile was back, with lots of athletes all over the country taking part in this 1 mile charity race.
In Navan, Eoin Flynn was back from Gran Canaria for a 5km, running 16:07. Down in Wicklow, Matthew Kane finished 4th in the Inbhear Dee Streets of Wicklow 5km in 16:09. Further west down in the Kingdom, David Power took part in the Farranfore 5km, finishing 9th in 17:01. Michelle Finn also won - she was busy over Christmas winning at least 4 races.
Staying in Munster, at the MSD 4 mile in Clonmel Paul Stephenson was 7th with Ciarán Aylward 13th. David Power was back in action in Tramore, running through the sand, rain and stones on the beach for the Baldy Man Run, finishing 4th.
Not leaving Connacht out, or more specifically Galway, Brian Furey ran off his Turkey dinner at the Fields of Athenry 10k on December 26th in 36:21.
In the mountains, at the IMRA Djouce Remembrance run: Greg Byrne was 2nd, Laura Flynn 63rd, Liam Brady 73rd in this annual race to remember members who have passed away.