FMC International held their annual four mile road race around Little Island this morning. In spite of other attractions the race once again attracted in the region of two hundred competitors. From the start a three way group formed at the head of affairs, with Billy O’Rourke setting the pace, closely followed by Michael Cotter and Noel Marshall. They reached the mile mark in a leisurely 5:07 with little to choose between them. However, a slight hill half a mile later completely changed the lead. Marshall was first to suffer as he eased up, and was shortly followed by Cotter. This left O’Rourke out on his own and he was never threatened after that, racing on to win in a time of 20:37, with Marshall coming through to take second in 21:12, and Cotter third in 21:35. They were followed by Paul O’Mahony in 21:46, Michael Murphy in 21:56, Gerry Wallis, Ritchie Crowley, Liam O’Reilly, Pat Ryan and Pat Murphy. O’Rourke, fast approaching veteran status, once again proved that he will still be a force to contend with in events like these. Mary Sheehan had little difficulty adding yet another win to her collection, finishing well clear of Mary Murphy, Ann Marie Healy, Brid Murphy of Leevale, and Frankie Devlin.