Byrne has a blinder at Stormont
Kay Byrne a loyal and long-term servant to Finn Valley AC and Irish athletics once again has produced a blinder on a very wet and blustery day at Ulster and Northern Ireland Masters held in the grounds of the Stormont estate Belfast. Whilst Gale force wind and heavy rain blew across the hill testing course, Kay with her marathon strength came through the field to finish a very creditable 2nd position, with grit and determination Kay battled the elements early on, laying in 4th position with a lap to go Kay used her 30 years of experience to gradually move through the field to finish 2nd and also winning her category. Backing Kay up in the team were Rosemary Bogle, Gloria Donaghey and Mary Bond, all the ladies doing their bit for the team in the inclement weather.
Earlier in the day the master men had better conditions starting at 1.45 on the main downhill straight of Stormont, up to 70 masters men of all ages went to the line for the 8km race, having to do 4 by a 2000m loop the which would test all. The usual suspects went to the fore Norwood, Mc Kinney, Carroll, Roberts and the new kid Duncan. Tucked at the back of the group were Crossan, Carlin Bonner and Blaney. At the end of the first lap a group of six developed with another a few meters back. Norwood pushing hard with Mc Kinney on his tale, further down the field a number of other battles were developing Tommy Farrell pushing hard in a group with Kieran Cavanagh Annadale Striders and Paul Ward Tirchoniall AC, Patrick Hagerty battling with Kevin Ferry LKAC, back at the front with 4km gone the three pretenders still battled Norwood, Mc Kinney and Duncan behind the group was dwindling beginning to string out. Carlin back running his first Cross Country race since last February having only 5 weeks training behind him he showed he still was prepared to battle. Dominic Boner was also locked in a battle a few places back with Frank Sharkey Lagan Valley. Also battling for Valley were Pat Hagerty, Michael Penrose, Tom Thompson and Pat Mc Crudden. With the wind and rain now beginning to blow the final lap was a welcome sight, Carlin coming from 9th to finish 7th, Bonar battling to the line in 15th, Tommy Farrell 20th Pat Hagerty 27th Michael Penrose Tom Thompson Pat Mc Crudden having good solid runs.
In the team event North Belfast 1st. Annadale 2nd. Letterkenny 3rd. The valley lads will now get back to the final few weeks of training before defending their title in Dublin on the 15th February.
On Thursday night last at the Finn Valley Centre trials for the National grass relays took place several clubs participated. Congrats to all who made teams?
Looking forward to next weekend, the National B Championships will be held in Lough Kee Forest Park Co Roscommon. On Sunday 25th Jan.
Results.
Results.
Pictures.
Pictures by Keith Mc Clure.
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