Darcy and Carey win in Ballyvaughan

Athletes from as far away as France and Switzerland gathered with a host of Irish competitors at this year’s Burren Charity challenge.

In its ninth year of the event, the challenge was in aid of two charities, the Jack and Jill Foundation and the Billy O Riordan Memorial fund for Milawi and the event was held for the first time in Ballyvaughan.
Over 200 competitors, including a Clare contingent, took part in the 10km run and walk, and the 40km cycle including a big Clare representation. The event raised €10,000.
In the 10km fun run and walk over a one lap course, Kevin Darcy, Kilmurry Ibrickane/North Clare, set the early pace going through the first mile in 5:30 and he was closely followed by the leading lady athlete, Marie Carey, Ennis Track. Both athletes dominated this race with Darcy a very comfortable winner in 35:06, almost three minutes ahead of Herbert Griffin, Galway (37:40) and Garry Harte, Edinburgh Scotland (38:09).
In the ladies’ race Marie Carey, Ennis Track, led from start to finish and her time was 37:54 with Judith Arnold, Switzerland, second in 42:48 followed by Marise Walsh, Kilrush and France, in 43:43.
In the Ladies 40k cycle Ann Dalton from Carlow was victorious with a time of 1.25:33 with Imogen Cotter, Ennis Track, second in 1.26:43 followed by Mags Donnelly, Offaly, in 1.30:10 and Ann Dalton who also went on to complete the duathalan.
In the men’s 40km cycle Frank Barrett, Galway, crossed the line in 1.20:13secs with Garry McDonald, Quin, second in 1.20:15 followed by Aidan Considine, Galway, in 1.20:27.

Results
Ladies’ 10km:
1. Marie Carey, Ennis Track (37.54); 2. Judith Arnold, Switzerland (42.48); 3. Marise Walsh, Kilrush/France (43.43).
Men’s 10km: 1. Kevin Darcy, Kilmurry Ibrickane/North Clare (35.06) ; 2. Herbert Griffin, Galway (37.40); 3. Danny Harte, Edinburgh (38.09).
Ladies 40km Cycle:
1. Ann Dalton, Carlow (85.33); 2. Imogen Cotter, Ennis Track (86.43); 3. Mags Donnelly, Offaly (90.10).
Mens 40km cycle:
1. Frank Barrett, Galway (80.13); 2. Garry McDonald, Quin (80.15); 3. Aidan Considine, Galway (80.27).
Ladies duathalan (40km cycle and 5km run): 1. Ann Dalton, Carlow (122.02).
Mens duathalan (40km cycle and 5km run): 1. Paul Gallagher, Ennis /St Finbarr’s AC Cork (106.34); 2. David Gallagher, Marian (110.44); 3. Arigal Forde, Galway (112.00).

Fixtures
December 2010
31: Clare Sports Partnership and Clare AAI 5k frostbite road series in Mullagh starting at 12 noon.
January 2011
1: Ennis UDC in conjunction with Marian AC Turkey Trot starting at Waterpark House Drumbiggle at 12 noon.
2: Maigh National School 5km and 10km fun run and walk starting at Moy Church Car park at 11am.
9: Munster Senior and Junior Indoor Championships at Nenagh starting at 10.30am.