On Wednesday October 6th the battle commenced to try and dislodge the Harp Lager Trophy from the vice tight grip of Paul Moran.  Having won the trophy in 2008 and 2009, Moran travelled south in search of a hat trick of titles.  The Harp Lager Trophy is one of the oldest and most prestigious trophies in AGS sports, having first been fought for in 1965.  Dappled sunshine greeted the runners who gathered at the start line outside the domineering college walls.  Chief Superintendent Jack Nolan fired the starting pistol at 15:00hrs and away sped the hardy souls on a ten mile journey through the heart of the Premier County's countryside.  With the famous Devils Bit scowling overhead Paul Moran and Ronan Hartnett took up the early running followed by Adrian Tucker, Sean Mac Seoin and Damian Gannon.  By the half way mark, Moran had opened a gap which seemed unassailable, but with the dogged Hartnett on his tail he could not afford to relax and continued to ratchet up the pace through miles 7 and 8.  A wise decision seeing as Hartnett is a bit of a Seamus Darby, and never excepts that the game is up.  However despite his gallant efforts, it was the resilient Moran who turned the final corner with a very comfortable lead.  He powered down the final straight to take gold and a hat-trick of titles in 55:22, with Hartnett clocking 59:38.   A little further back Mac Seoin and Tucker were embroiled in a titanic battle as the final miles approached.  They continually swapped positions before Mac Seoin produced an incredible turn of pace over the final 400m to take bronze just ahead of Tucker, with Gannon a further 2 minutes back in 5th.  Karl McKenna took 6th, with triathelete Stephen Brazil and Mick McArdle placing 7th and 8th respectively.  Tir na nOg resident Mick Ferry finished 9th with Mick Morris and Matt Phylan in joint 10th.  Paul Hogan, Owen Keane, John Burke, Dave Lynch and Hugh Reddy completed the line up. 
OVERALL RESULTS : (1) Paul Moran, 55:22.  (2) Ronan Hartnett, 59:38.  (3) Sean MacSeoin, 62:46.
 O-40 : (1) Matt Phylan, 79:29.  (2) John Burke, 89:15.  (3) Dave Lynch, 92:32.
 O-50 : (1) Adrian Tucker, 63:03.  (2) Mick Ferry, 77:50.  (3) Hugh Reddy, 96:56.
TEAMS : (1) DMR (W) D. Gannon, K.McKenna, J.Burke.  (2) Depot HQ, P.Moran, S.MacSeoin.  (3) Carlow-Kilkenny, M.Morris, M.Phylan.

In the 5 mile race, Kevin Grogan produced a stand alone performance to take gold.  A fine result considering his Ronseal (does exactly what it says on the tin) performance in the Causeway Marathon last weekend in Antrim. 

OF NOTE : The GARDA ATHLETIC CLUB would like to extend a very sincere "Thank You" to all the staff of the Garda College for their help and hospitality.  A special word of thanks to Eileen Kelly whose Trojan work ensured the event purred along with German like efficiency.