Kilnaboy pair pull out all the stops in Castleconnell

THE village of Castleconnell attracted a record 422 runners, joggers and walkers for the second annual Castle-Clon 10K road race and walk held by Castleconnell Boat Club.

Following a fun warm-up session at the start line by fitness expert Edel O’Shea, the throng of runners travelled up through the village
Event organiser Fergal O’Connor spent the last number of months organising the event. The route brought the participants through the County Clare countryside of Lisduff, Clonlara, Deerpark, Doonass, Summerpark and back across the footbridge and up into Castleconnell village to the finish line by the church.
Taking an early lead in the race and keeping pace with each other along the route were Michael Shannon from Kilnaboy AC in Clare and Colm Turner from Limerick AC. Michael Shannon pulled ahead to win in a fast time of 33.39 followed closely by Colm Turner in 33.52. Third was David Richardson from West Limerick AC in 35.1.
First home for the women was Tracy Guilfoyle (Kilnaboy AC) in a time of 40.58 followed by Deirdre Finn in a time of 42.10s and third was Maeve Cavanagh in 42.13.
Winners Michael Shannon and Tracy Guilfoyle were the only participants on the day from their club in Kilnaboy AC.
All proceeds from the race go towards the junior rowing programme run by the club.