Bad weather always looks worse through a window.  Tom Lerher.

On Saturday November 27th 9 members of AGS braved the tundra weather conditions that kissed the country with a Christmas card inspired landscape.  Despite the inclement weather and treacherous driving conditions some were obviously determined to conquer the latest BHAA offering, at The Ward, on the Dublin/Meath border.  Universally agreed as one of the toughest cross country races on the calendar the 2010 NSRT/SMART 6km course lived up to it's formidable reputation.  While the cold snap affected the numbers participating it also hardened the ground in what is usually a race with extremely wet and sticky underfoot conditions.  Having said that, this race still provided lashings of old fashioned cross country heartbreak and turmoil.  The by now infamous "river crossing" tested the resolve as each runner got sheep dipped twice.  First past the post on the day was Anthony Malone in 21st place in a time of 24:32.  Damian Gannon was next in 42nd with 27:10.  He was closely followed by Kevin "Ronseal" Grogan in 27:47 placing him 50th overall.  Incidentally, Kevin also picked up bronze in his age category.  Brian Brunton made his second appearance of late in our colours and he has obviously been training hard as his time of 29:41 illustrates.  Ian Redican and Jeremiah Moloney also bravely faced the elements posting 29:58 and 31:50, respectively.  Hugh Reddy produced his usual steady performance in 38:24.   In the team events, we took gold in both the B and D Divisions.

In the Ladies Race which was run over a 4k course Lorraine Manning came agonisingly close to victory but with the heroic marathon still in her legs and the national bronze tucked away in her back pocket she suffered a little over the final 200 metres and placed second.  Manning and Fiona Mahon of the Teachers team were neck and neck from gun to tape with less that 1 second between them on the line.  Performance of the day was undoubtedly that of Bridget Buckley.  "Bucks" as she is affectionately known, ran a career best when placing third. She cut through the field with expert efficiency while others succumbed to the tough conditions.  With 800m left Bucks was engaged in a battle with a team mate of Mahon's but she dug deep and pulled away over the final incline to comfortably take the bronze by 26 seconds. 

 

Other news :

 

Waterford Half Marathon 2010 -  Saturday December 11th.  If interested in travelling to Waterford as part of a Garda team please contact, John Burke of the Garda Athletic Club on 086 8168071.  John and members of Kilcoole AC have arranged trip including accommodation.

 

Congratulations to Mick Harkin on the recent birth of his first child, baby daughter, Kate.  We wish Mum Sue the best of luck as she looks after two babies.  No more late nights Mick.

 

Congratulations also to one of the greats of Garda Athletics, Jim Gaughan on his recent retirement.  On October 31st last Jim hung up the boots but thankfully he has held onto his spikes.  A regular winner on the BHAA circuit many moons ago, Jim has continued to compete on the BHAA circuit with success.  Jim's achievements are too numerous to mention here but needless to say he has had many great days on the athletic field in the colours of his native Mayo AC and AGS.  Jim was the winner of the inaugral BHAA XC PT/Eircom race in Tymon Park.  Among his notches were a 2:34 marathon.  However, Jim was best known for his middle distance running.  Breaking 15 minutes for 5k was the norm.  More to follow...........