Heat on streets of Castlepollard for annual 5k event
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The start of the race in Castlepollard.Image 2 of 14
Helen Ginnell from Ballycomoyle with Gillian Finn Roddy from Castlepollard.Image 3 of 14
Chloe Coyne (Kinnegad), Caitlín Conlon (Mullingar) and Cerys Brady (Coole).Image 4 of 14
Carol Moore and Louise Elliott from Killucan.Image 5 of 14
Annemarie, Iarlaith and Ger Feerick in Castlepollard.Image 6 of 14
Martin and Teresa Joyce with Bonnie Donnolly.Image 7 of 14
Laura Fitzpatrick at the finish line.Image 8 of 14
Ailbhe O’Farrell from Mullingar Harriers was the 2nd lady to finish.Image 9 of 14
Damien Monaghan and Mel Carthy from Mullingar.Image 10 of 14
Ryan Higgins from Castlepollard.Image 11 of 14
Declan Costello and Cllr Alfie Devine after the 5KImage 12 of 14
Some of the members of Mullingar Harriers AC after the run.Image 13 of 14
Kevin Curran from Castlepollard and Geoff Morrissey from Coole.Image 14 of 14
Mary Salmon and Annie Fagan came out to watch the run.More than 250 people completed the Castlepollard 5k race, also known as the Tullynally Challenge, on Wednesday evening last, August 13, on the 25th anniversary of North Westmeath Athletics Club.
"There was a fantastic turnout and a wonderful mix of walkers, runners and joggers," chairperson of the club Niamh Murtagh reported. The atmosphere was great, she said, adding that the scenic grounds of Tullynally Castle are always a great draw, and the many locals who attended made it was a real community event.
Niamh said contestants came long distances to take part, including one man from Northern Ireland who has competed every year for the last 25 years, even during Covid. She said there was a good turnout from Westmeath and Meath running clubs and many non-club runners also took part. The intense heat – 24 degrees recorded at 7.30pm as the race began – might have slowed some runners down a bit, Niamh commented.
The winner of the race, Sean Doran from Clonliffe Harriers, not only retained his title but improved on his time last year by five seconds, coming in at 15 minutes 35 seconds. In second place was Patrick MacGabhann on 15:40, and Dan Morris from Mullingar Harriers was third on 15:47.
First of the females home was Kelly Breen, North East Runners (17:46), ahead of Serena Tuffy, Dundrum South Dublin AC (18:32) in second place, and Aibhne O’Farrell (19:22) in third.
A highlight of the evening was a special presentation of a crystal trophy to one of the founding members of North Westmeath AC, Andy McEoin. To mark the 25th anniversary, finishers received commemorative Kinturk medals. The first three men and women home received cash prizes and a specially designed trophy, and there were further cash prizes for winners in the over-40, 50, 60 and 70 categories.
The presentations were made at McCormack’s Bar and Lounge, Castlepollard, where there were refreshments and many spot prizes sponsored by local businesses. The support from local businesses in the area was fantastic, Niamh stressed.
She thanked all who took part and those who attended, all who sponsored prizes, Westmeath County Council who grant-aided the event, the race organising committee, MyRunResults who helped manage the event, and gardaí and the traffic management committee who organised road closures and traffic diversions.
She also thanked the Packenham family for again allowing the use of their grounds at Tullynally Castle. The stunning scenic grounds are in themselves a huge attraction and add greatly to the atmosphere, Niamh pointed out.
The Castlepollard 5k is known for its fast course, strong club competition and friendly atmosphere, and is regarded as a highlight of the summer running calendar in the midlands.