Mark Carroll’s superb marathon debut in New York is the second fastest marathon time by an Irish runner. It is also a new Leevale record. Between Mark Carroll and Marcus O’Sullivan the Leevale club records are now really world class. Makes it difficult for future Leevale athletes to get their names on the records page. But, there are a few coming along who could do it – a lot of hard work will be needed though!
Mark’s confidence is sure to soar over the coming months and his performance over other distances will benefit as a result.
Well done Mark.
The Munster novice and underage cross country championships were held at St. Augustines College Dungarvan on Sunday – a late change from the original venue. Underfoot conditions were superb in spite of the heavy rainfall during the past few weeks.
Damien Dunlea made his return to competition in the under 17 race. Taking the lead from the gun he soon established himself in the lead and went on to win unchallenged. Keith Linehan only decided at the last minute to run after a cold all week. He was close enough to third place throughout but was overtaken near the finish to finish a good fifth. John Shine tracked Keith for much of the race and eventually finished ninth, while Alec Daunt was 26th after running what he described as “the worst race of my life”! Richard O’connor and Aaron Hornibrook also ran well. Leevale were easy team winners.
William Harty was the early leader in the novice/under 23 race, but on this occasion did not have things all his own way, with a group tracking him. Ian Donovan, in his second cross country race in two years, stayed close to the leaders.
Surprise of the race was Brian McMahon of Carraig na bhFear who took over the lead at halfway and stayed there to win – his biggest achievement so far.
Ian got to the shoulder of Harty at one stage but failed to overtake him. Alan O’Shea passed Ian close home so he had to settle for fifth overall, and second novice. This was a big improvement for Ian on his county novice result and he is sure to improve further.
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