Morris Oil Piltown 10k
The 2015 OutfieldSports Three Counties Challenge came to its conclusion on Friday evening last with the eighth running of the Morris Oil Piltown 10k in Co. Kilkenny. A field of 130 runners lined up for this race and thankfully the forecast rain held off to leave ideal running conditions. The race started on the grounds of Kildalton Horticultural College and as the field made its way through the scenic first mile it was Carrick AC's Brian Murphy who took up the lead. Brian was closely followed by Niall Sheil from St. Killians AC and the race for first place was to develop into a great tussle between these two consistent athletes. It was inside the final mile that Niall overtook Brian and finished the final stretch into Piltown GAA club grounds very strongly to record a convincing victory. This win also ensured Niall's overall race series win and he received the series shield and a pair of technical running shoes for his efforts. Ballynonty AC's Danny Smith ran another fine race to finish in third place.
In the ladies' race it was Claire Annan from Clonmel AC who took the winner's prize with a strong run timed at 39:20. In second place was Annaleigh Hore from Kilmore AC in 39:52 and Kate Nolan from Waterford AC took third place in 42:02. The ladies' overall series prize was won by Carrick AC's Mary Molloy for the second consecutive year.
Carrick AC would like to thank all who helped in the organisation and running of this year's race. We are especially grateful for the continued generous sponsorship of Morris Oil, Fiddown over the past eight years. Thanks also to Alan Treacy, Outfield Sports, Carrick-on-Suir for once again sponsoring the series. As always, Carrick-on-Suir Red Cross was on hand to provide medical assistance when needed and we are very grateful to Finola Walsh and her team for their invaluable help. We would also like to thank Kildalton Horticultural College and Piltown GAA Club for the use of their grounds and facilities.
Morris Oil Piltown 10k winners:
Senior Men
1. Niall Sheil (St. Killians AC) 32:54 2. Brian Murphy (Carrick AC) 33:00 3. Danny Smith (Ballynonty AC) 33:55
O/40 : Frank Quinlan (Waterford AC) 34:20
O/45 : Ger Murray 38:15
O/50 : Ray Hassey (Waterford AC) 38:46
O/55 : Declan Flynn (West Waterford) 39:29
O/60 : John Foley (West Waterford) 48:16
Junior : Jonathan Crowley(St. Senans AC) 39:11
Team : Waterford AC ( Noel Murphy, Pat Grant and John Nolan)
Senior Ladies
1. Claire Annan (Clonmel AC) 39:26 2. Annaleigh Hore (Kilmore AC) 39:52 3. KateNolan (Waterford AC) 42:02
O/35 : Joan Mahony (Waterford AC) 42:55
O/40 : Yvonne O' Connor (Clonmel AC) 43:46
O/45 : Liz Jolly 49:56
O/50 : Phyllis Flynn (West Waterford) 42:10
O/55 : Terri Gough (West Waterford) 66:00
Team : Carrick AC ( Mary Molloy, Geraldine Houlihan and Ann Cronin)