| The annual ESB five mile road race this morning was once again well supported. All the leading contenders got off to a good start, with Roy Fahy showing slightly ahead. The leaders included a trio from North Cork who have been relatively quiet in recent times, Garrett Barry, Shane Simcox and George Murray, while seventeen year old James Grufferty, Cillian O’Tuama and Ian O’Sullivan covered the first mile in 5:06. Shortly after the first mile mark the leading group was reduced to just three as Barry, Fahy and O’Tuama broke away from the others. Shortly later, Fahy dropped away. From there on the battle was between Barry and O’Tuama, and they ran shoulder to shoulder until into the final mile where Barry increased the pace and raced on for a fine win in a time of 23:34. O’Tuama was second in 25:48 and Fahy third in 26:09. Next came George Murray (26:39), Shane Simcox (26:57), James Grufferty (27:02), Michael Cotter (27:29), and Ian O’Sullivan (27:36). In a moment of madness, Grufferty later went to Limerick and won a 10k race. Back at the ESB race, Niamh O’Sullivan travelled from Killarney to easily win the women’s race in a time of 29:54, exactly one minute ahead of Mary Sweeney, with Brid Murphy of Leevale, fast getting back to her best form after a long lay off, third in 32:28. In the vets section Michael Murphy was the over 40 winner; Gerard McMahon won the over 45’s; Pat Dempsey won over 50; Eddie Mullane won the over 55’s, and John O’Leary won the over 60 section. In the womens vets Ann Murphy won the over 35’s; Eileen Lynam won the over 40’s; and Marion Lyons won the over 45’s. |