Race Report: St. Coca’s AC 5km Race – June 27th, 2023
On a wet evening in Kilcock, the St. Coca’s AC 5km race took place, marking one of the North Kildare series of races held by local athletic clubs during the summer months. Despite the challenging conditions, our MSB athletes showcased their determination, resulting in some impressive performances.
In the M40 category, Frank Hague proved to be the standout performer, crossing the finish line in a superb time of 17:06.
Following closely behind was Len Kelleher, who achieved a brilliant new personal best (PB) of 18:17. Len’s hard work and perseverance paid off as he achieved his fastest 5K time yet.
Keith Hyland, another clubmate, finished just seconds later with a time of 18:32, showing the strength and depth of talent within the club.
Ian Hughes and John Byrne had an exhilarating battle on the course, pushing each other to the limits. Ian finished with a brilliant time of 19:52, closely followed by John at 19:53, showcasing their great sportsmanship in pushing each other on.
Eoghan Ryan was next home, crossing the line in a fast time of 20:48.
In the M50 category, MSB athletes showed their depth of quality. Alan King came home with a brilliant 17.27 for a top 6 category finish. Seán MacSeoin ran an excellent time of 19:06. Octavio Hernandez put in another consistent performance with a great time of 20:57, closely followed by Ciaran McGloin, who finished in 21:19. Their exceptional performances demonstrated the club’s depth in this age category.
The MSB ladies also shone brightly in the race. Sinead Nic Sheoin finished with an impressive time of 20:39. Joan O’Callaghan followed closely behind, crossing the line just seconds later at 20:53. Glenda Ryan completed MSB’s strong showing, finishing with a time of 23:28.
Overall, the athletes from MSB performed brilliantly in the St. Coca’s AC 5km race. Their remarkable times and exceptional performances highlighted their talent, determination, and commitment to their training.
Congratulations to all the participants for your outstanding efforts and achievements. A big thanks to coaches Charlie Martin and Sean MacSeoin for their work in preparing their athletes for the race.
Race Report: The Glendalough Tucker Trail (GTT) – July 1st, 2023
On a challenging and exhilarating day in the Glendalough Valley, the Glendalough Tucker Trail (GTT) unfolded, pushing the limits of endurance for all participants. The race, which took place on Saturday, July 1st, featured an 80km mountain run, consisting of three ‘out and back’ loops along the way-marked trails of St Kevin’s Way, the Spink, and the Wicklow Way.
The course was nothing short of breathtaking, with stunning scenery and a demanding terrain that tested the physical and mental capabilities of the runners. The race utilized the well-marked trails of St Kevin’s Way and Wicklow Way, adding to the excitement and challenge of the event.
Representing MSB was Kevin Kelly, one of our truly remarkable athletes. Kevin had only completed his last mountain race just seven days prior. Undeterred by the physical demands and knowing the gruelling nature of the GTT, Kevin fearlessly lined up to put his body on the line once again.
Over the course of 10 hours, 12 minutes, and 33 seconds, Kevin conquered the demanding course, leaving no ounce of energy untapped. The relentless uphill climbs, treacherous descents, and technical sections required immense strength and determination. With an elevation gain of 2940m over the course’s 80km distance, it was a true test of endurance and mental fortitude.
Kevin’s ability to push his body to the limit and complete the race with such resilience is awe-inspiring. We hope the legs are recovering today.
National U20 and U23 Championships – Sunday 2nd July, 2023
The National U20 and U23 Championships took centre stage today in Tullamore. As athletes from across the country gathered on the track, they were greeted with a day that seemed to encompass all seasons, with wet and windy weather battling against intermittent bursts of summer sun.
In the mens U20 100m race Chibuikem ONWUMEREH came home 7th in his heat with a time of 11.73, fresh from his Leaving Cert studies. His older brother Nkemjika unfortunately pulled up in the same race. There is plenty more to look forward this season for Nkem with the international relays coming up in Jerusalem.
The U23 mens 800m proved to be a dramatic race with MSB producing two finalists, clubmates and training partners Finn Woodger and Traian Rebegea. In a tactical race, Traian found himself at the front early on with no one willing to take on the pacing duties. Finn was neatly tucked into the pack ready to respond to any potential moves.
As the bell sounded, the race heated up with Nathan Sheey Cremin hitting the front. Traian dug in and went with the Emerald AC athlete with Finn just behind in the hunt. In the home straight it was a sprint shootout between 4 athletes for the 3 medals. Traian dug deep to claim an impressive National silver in 1.56.60 with Finn unfortunate to miss out this time on a medal with a time of 1.57.23.
In the mens U20 1500m Louie Woodger ran a brave race going with the hot early pace of Nick Griggs. As the race unfolded, the hot early pace took its toll. Louie battled bravely, coming home in 10th place with a great time of 4.06.35. The experience will stand to him well as he builds towards a bright future.
In the womens U23 1500m, MSB’s Aisling Mohan again turned in a determined performance. Aisling came home 9th with an excellent time of 4.47.06 to round off an excellent season.
But there was more to come with MSB entering two teams, a womens and a mens, in the U23 4 x 400m.
And what a finish to the day.
First, the double sibling team of Molly Brown, Aoife Brown, Sadhbh Mohan and Aisling Mohan stormed their race to take national gold. An amazing result for the quartet, all trained by coach Charlie Martin.
The final race of the day saw another sibling team, Louie and Finn Woodger, team up with clubmates Patrick Brophy and Traian Rebegea in the mens 4 x 400m. The MSB team ran a brilliant race to take the gold medal and smash the existing championship record by more than 5 seconds which had stood for 25 years! A thrilling way to end the championships. Special thanks to their coaches, Gerry Watt and Brian Tremble.
Race Report: Stephen Brett