Clodagh Kelly claims silver in Leinster road championships

While numbers may have been slightly down on last year, there was a still a very respectable turn-out of 238 athletes from across the province competing for individual and team honours.

The course at Gowran, known for being picturesque but challenging – with a downhill start, followed by a gradual long climb – is a big favourite with road runners.

The county’s top performer was Clodagh Kelly of Croghan in the Novice women’s 3km race. She finished in second place, just four seconds behind the winner, Denise Egan of Ferbane AC, who ran 10.56. Nicole Moorehouse of Slaney Olympic was seventh in 11.20.

Sabina Williams of Croghan was Wexford’s first finisher in the Master women’s 3km race, placing seventh overall and fourth W40 in 11.14, just one second off a bronze.

Slaney Olympic’s Catherine Roche made a welcome return to racing, placing 17th overall in 12.03 and taking W50 bronze.

United Striders’ Beth O’Connor was just two places behind her, running 12.09 to take fifth place in W45, with Nicola Murphy of Striders seventh W45 in 12.36. Annette Hayes (United Striders) was fifth W35 (12.33). Catherine O’Connor of Menapians was sixth W55.

Wexford took fourth place in the county team competition, with Sabina Williams, Beth O’Connor and Annette Hayes scoring. United Striders were fifth club.

In the Novice men 6km, Adam O’Connor of United Striders placed 27th in 21.59. Alan O’Connor was two places behind in 22.03, with Craig Doyle 49th in 25.39.

The pace was fast and furious from the start in the Master men’s 6km race. Des Kennedy (Croghan) finished eleventh M55 in 20.58, with team-mate Kevin Morris (M45) just two seconds behind him. Brian Maher (M50) was 23rd in 21.25.

There was nothing to split United Striders pair Patrick Culleton (M50) and David Kehoe (M55), both clocking 21.32. Patrick was credited with 26th place and David 27th.

Croghan’s Alexander Williams (M40) was 46th in 22.54. Michael Quigley of Slaney Olympic (M60) was 61st in 23.55. SBR’s Eugene Doherty (M65) was 78th in 25.15.

With regard to success in the age categories, Des Kennedy was first M55 with David Kehoe second. Michael Quigley was fourth M60 and Eugene Doherty was third M65.

Alexander Williams was twelfth M40. Kevin Morris was fifth M45. Brian Maher took M50 bronze with Patrick Culleton fifth.

Croghan took gold in the club team event with Des, Kevin, Brian and Alexander scoring, and Wexford took gold in the county M50+ through Des, Brian and Patrick Culleton.

Fixtures: May 10 (6.30 p.m.), Mr Oil Wexford Juvenile track and field (ages 9-11), Enniscorthy (all athletes perform 4 events); May 10 to 12, European Masters non-stadia championships, Porto Santo, Portugal; May 12 (10.30 a.m.), Mr Oil Wexford Juvenile track and field (ages 12-19), day two, Enniscorthy; May 12, Wexford Festival of Running, Johnstown Castle, Wexford, organised by Wexford Marathon Club (WMC).