Dromahane Road Runners Host Successful Barry O’Sullivan Memorial 5k Race

The Dromahane Road Runners 5k /Barry O’Sullivan Memorial 2024 was held on Saturday evening the 20th of April. This was the 2nd race of the Rebel Diamond League which is a new league bringing together local clubs in support of running across the community. This series also includes Banteer 5mile, Bweeng 5k and Buttevant 4mile.

The weather was perfect for it! After many evenings spent training in the rain it was great to see the sun shine. Some people even said that it was very hot but we wouldn’t go that far!

214 runners were at the start. After a couple of minutes delay (technical) they were off at a very fast pace But this was race of all with some couch to 5K taking on their first race and some walkers following on at a delayed time so they too could take part in this memorial event. The course was challenging with rolling hills, rather than sharp hills! It was an out & back course and so you knew what to expect after turning around halfway! Yes there was a little hill kick towards the later stage of the race but not a bother to the participants.

Female Results

1st Kelley Tideswell Clonmel AC (17:32 /course record)

2nd Carol Finn Leevale AC (18:30)

3rd Kathy Jean Horgan Casey (19:30)

Male Results

1st Tadhg O Sullivan Bweeng Trail Blazer AC (16:25)

2nd Liam O’Connor Grange/Fermoy AC (16.39)

3rd Connor Mc Croy Bweeng Trail Blazer AC (17:12)

This was also a memorial race for Barry O Sullivan a DRR club member who sadly passed away in 2021, he loved running or a slow runny walk. He especially loved to chat along the way and was a great man to encourage others to participate and ensure no one was left behind - so the club remember him on this race day. The O’Sullivan family, represented by his daughter Jemma, presented the memorial shields to the fastest man and women in the parish.

The shields were won by:

• Dawn Walsh Bweeng Trail Blazer AC

• Tadhg O Sullivan Bweeng Trail Blazer AC

Congratulations to all!

There was a great spread of buns, tea and coffeeenjoyed by participants and supporters after the race so a big thank you to all those who were engaged in organise such a good race! And thanks to Graham Meikle, Joe Anne photos, Eamon O’Dea and @Dermot Hever photography for lovely photos!

The next race of the Rebel Diamond league series is the Bweeng 5k on Sunday the 12th of May and Buttevant 4 mile on Friday 17th of May. Well worth entering!

If you are interested in competing in any of the remaining races in the Rebel Diamond league, please visit the page below for further information: https://www.facebook.com/people/Rebel-Diamond-League/61554362195767/