Ballymore Cobh AC News

A very fast and flat course welcomed a huge throng of athletes who took part in the recently staged Charleville International half-marathon.

The Ballymore Cobh AC ladies were led home by none other than Sonia O’Sullivan (1.28.48) with Orla O’Rourke (1.31.05) keeping close company . Leading the men home was Trevor Cummins, (1.19.21) who now has the upcoming Amsterdam marathon next in his sights.

Others to impress on the day included Shane Meyler (1.34.00), Natasha Durity (1.48.00) and Lynne Doherty (1.49.46).

Next up was the annual Cork-Cobh race and the flagship event of the Business House Athletic Association saw another large turnout of black and yellow singlets, many garnering some fine performances while they were at it.

Orla O’Rourke (1.48.44) was her usual consistent self with a highly commendable sixth place finish in the overall women’s field and will look to carry this strong form on to the Dublin Marathon later in the month.

Also amongst the prize winners was Eimear Taft (1.53.15), who finishing third in her age category and still managed to make it all look relatively easy going.

First home of the male club runners was the equally dependable Tony O’Sullivan (1.53.15) with Will Dunne (1.57.22), Billy Burke (1.57.30) and the returning Kevin O’Keeffe (1.58.32) all breaking two hours on the day.

A number of those who took part had only taken up the sport in the last number of months and after taking their first steps with the clubs Fit4Life program were now completing the endurance test of 15miles between Cork and Cobh. A big well done done to all who competed in each of the these two recent events.