The Munster road race championships for novice and veteran runners took place in Blarney on Sunday. The brilliant sunshine was spoiled somewhat by the very strong cold wind. In the mens race 17 year old William Harty of West Waterford was first to break. After a mile Leevale’s Paul Carroll went in pursuit, and then ran on the leader’s shoulder for most of the four mile race, looking to have victory at his mercy. However, there was a shock in store as Harty kept up his relentless running to win, with Alan O’Conner from Clonmel coming late to overtake Carroll in the last 200m. Afterwards it transpired that Harty was ineligible to take part so he was disqualified. Harty has shown tremendous ability in BLOE ranks in recent times, winning the under 16 cross country title before Christmas. Behind Carroll, Cillian O’Tuama of Leevale was next to finish, followed by Jim McHugh of Clonmel and James McGee of Leevale. Leevale won the team contest. Mary Sheehan of Grange Fermoy went with the gun in the womens race, gradually building up a lead that brought her the title. A close fought tussle for second was won by Joan Hough of St. Finbarrs from clubmate Mary Sweeney. St. Finbarrs were team winners.