Charity challenge in Ballyvaughan

The tenth annual Burren Charity Challenge in Ballyvaughan was in aid of two charities, the Doolin Rescue and the Billy Riordan fund. Ballyvaughan was the venue for the second year-in-a-row and over 300 competitors took part in the 10km run and walk and 38km Cycle. The event lraised in the region of €7,000.
The 10km fun run and walk was over a one-lap course and going through Ballyvaughan village, local athlete Kevin Darcy, who runs with Kilmurry Ibrickane/North Clare, was setting the early pace going through the first mile in 5.30.
He was closely followed by Tom Mackey, Kilmurry Ibrickane/North Clare; Liam Glynn, Burren Cycle Club, and the leading lady athlete, Laoise Griffin. Darcy was a very comfortable winner in 36.21 and was three minutes ahead of Tom Mackey (39.45). In third spot was the main organiser, Liam Glynn, Burren Cycling Club (40.29).
In the ladies’ race, Laoise Griffin led from start to finish and her time was (41.04) with Noreen Mackey, Kilmurry Ibrickane/North Clare, who finished second the previous day in Kilbeacanty in Galway, second in 42.13 followed by Siobhán O’Reilly, Clare Crusaders (43.28).
In the ladies’ 38km cycle Rachel Glendon, Orwell Wheelers, was victorious with Karen Culligan, Ballyvaughan, second and Aoifa Nash, Ennis Triathlon Club, in third spot. Rachel Glendon also went on to complete the duathalon, which was the 5km run and her overall winning time was 1:47.55 followed by Aoifa Nash and Pauline Brady.
The men’s 38km cycle attracted 50 competitors and Robert Hawes, Burren Cycling Club, was first followed by clubmate, Anthony O’Halloran, and Derrick Joyce, Galway Tri Club.
In the duathalon, Michael Davis, Ennis Tri Club finished first in 1:41.22, with second spot going to John Whiriskey, Ardrahan, ahead of Pauric Forde, independent.

RESULTS
Ladies 10km: 1. Laoise Griffin, ind. (41.04); 2. Noreen Mackey, Kilmurry Ibrickane-North Clare (42.13);
3. Siobhán O’Reilly, Clare Crusaders (43.28); 4. Sarah Robson, ind (44.46); 5. Mary O’Looney, ind (48.39); 6. Síle Murphy, ind (55.29).
Mens 10km: 1. Kevin Darcy, Kilmurry Ibrickane-North Clare (36.21); 2. Tom Mackey, Kilmurry Ibrickane-North Clare (39.45); 3. Liam Glynn, Burren Cycling Club (40.29); 4. Roy Singleton, ind (42.02); 5. Conal Horgan, ind (42.33); 6. Miles Karemacher, ind (42.46).
Ladies 38k cycle: 1. Rachel Glendon, Orwell Wheelers; 2. Karen Culligan, Ballyvaughan; 3. Aoifa Nash, Ennis Triathlon.
Mens 38k cycle: 1. Robert Hawes, Burren Cycling Club; 2. Anthony O’Halloran, Burren Cycling Club;
3. Derrick Joyce, Galway Triathlon Club.
Ladies Duathalan (38km cycle and 5km run): 1. Rachel Glendon, Orwell Wheelers; 2. Aoifa Nash, Ennis Triathlon; 3. Pauline Brady, ind
Mens Duathalan (38km cycle and 5km run): 1. Michael Davis, Ennis Triathlon; 2. John Whiriskey, Ardrahan;
3. Pauric Forde, ind.