The soggy weather did not deter organiser in chief, Dave Huane, from clocking up his fifth Annual Ballindine "Guess your own time" four mile road race last Saturday evening. A good field assembled at the top of the hill start at Ard Lugalisheen and all were checked over for watches and other timepieces, having 'guessed their own finishing time' when they entered.
This event was held in support of Western Alzheimer's. A day-long downpour made conditions tough as the runners picked their way through pot-holes and puddles up and down through Woodstock and Garryduff and back on to the N17 hard shoulder at Pollnasillagh. The 'guessers' are getting better every year and the top 10 closest to their 'guess' time were all within seconds of that target. The winner was popular Tuam AC athlete Tommy Joe Whyte, he had predicted 24.30 and finished in exactly that time. Next came Liam McDonell who cycled to the start from Swinford, he was just a second out. Adrian Fitzmaurice (Athenry AC ) was just two seconds off in third, and former top guesser Brendan Monaghan (Tuam AC ) fourth - four seconds slower - is he losing his touch?
There was a special prize for Fiona Fitzpatrick from Claremorris who was furthest off her prediction (45 mins ) but was a rewarded with a 37:56 finish. As usual there were lots of prizes and spots, and a wonderful spread of refreshments thanks to Dave's Community Centre team. Noel Higgins from Western Alzheimer's thanked everyone for their support especially the race sponsors led by Danny McHugh. Fastest finishers were: Men 1 John Byrne (Mayo AC ) 21:32, 2 Ian Egan (GCH ) 23:29, 3 Dan O'Rourke (Tuam AC ) 24:08. Women (all Mayo AC ) 1 Mary Gleeson 24:22, 2 Catherine Conway 25:20; 3 Paula Prendergast 25:29
Gerald’s have good day out
St Gerald’s College had a successful day at the Aviva Connacht Schools Track and Field competition held in Athlone IT. Shea Benson performed well in the minor boys 200m coming in third place. Cathal Brohan qualified in the junior boys’ discus. Andrew Bell came first in the inter boys walk. Daniel Conway qualified in the intermediate boys’ hammer. The athletes will compete in the All-Ireland finals in Tullamore on June 1.
