James Grufferty is in the form of his life at the moment and he was in action again last night in a high-quality road race at Midleton. Sitting in the lead group throughout, he was never far off the lead and was just edged out of it in the end by James McCarthy of East Cork. Gruff finished 2nd, just 8 seconds back in 24:48, ahead of Tim O’Donoghue of East Cork. Thomas Maunsell was next Leevale man home, 9th in 26:30.
For Clare McSweeney the race was her debut on the road. The track specialist made a conservative start but came through strongly in the end to finish 2nd to Emma Murphy in 29:48. Orla Hayes was next home in 5th in the women’s category.
Full results
Leevale results
Results courtesy of John Walshe
That’s a breakthrough time for Grufferty. It bodes well for his immediate future. Maybe he will realise belatedly his potential.It’s long overdue and well deserved after seeing his career derailed in America.well done to all concerned.