By Kathleen Mullane

Tina Collins 1st lady home in the Adventure Run

Joint winners of the Junior 5k were Páraic Enright & David O’Connor

Mark Linehan, first man home in the 5k race

“What a Great Day” 

Well “the man above” was truly looking down on everyone who had gathered on Sunday last to take part in the 5k/or Adventure Run at the GAA pitch. And considering the previous weekend was a real ‘wash out’ it was a huge bonus to have the sun shining. There was a “great buzz” as children, students, men and women, mothers and fathers with babies in buggies etc. queued to get their stickers from the very busy Claire O’Connor, Majella Dalton and Máireád O’Donovan. John Hunt was on the loudspeaker announcing details, there were “stretches”, “limbering up sessions” filling of water bottles, face painting, all getting ready for “the off” at 1pm. It was, incidentally, great to see so many ladies taking part in the Adventure Run, which indeed was fairly strenuous and also brilliant to see our young people so fit and taking part. Paul Curry did the count-down to the start and what a “sea of colour” as everyone took off up the hill to get a head start. Those on the adventure run were in and out of fields jumping bales, in dykes, climbing frames and of course going down the slippery slope near the ball alley and into the river. Many onlookers watched from various spots en route. I really must thank sincerely Colleen Reidy for the full bucket of water that was thrown at me from the river, that soaked me from head to toe – beware Colleen! –  it will be pay back time shortly.

Well everyone arrived back safe and sound struggling up the hill to the GAA pitch again. First home in the 5k was Mark Lenihan and the 1st lady was Elaine O’Keeffe. The winner of the adventure run in a great time was ‘Iron Man’ himself Donal Leahy and Tina Mulvihill (Collins) was the 1st lady. The children’s section was won by Páraic Enright and Jack O’Connor.

Well done to the winners and indeed well done to everyone who took part. Huge praise must be given to all those volunteers who prepared the pitch, obstacles for the adventure run, directed the traffic on the route, gave out water and oranges after the run, the sponsors of the prizes etc., Jacqueline O’Connor for her lovely buns etc. , Paul Collins for sponsoring the barbecue, indeed everyone who made the day the great success that it was – here’s to next year.

Sincere sympathy is extended to Hilda, Siobhán, Peg, Helen, Rosy, Seanie and Paddy Collins of Knocknagorna on the recent death of their brother Denis in Mallow last week. Sympathy is also extended to his wife and family. ‘May the light of heaven be his’.

Donal Leahy, 1st man home in the Adventure Run

Elaine O’Keeffe, first woman home in the 5k race