246 runners, along with a further 160 walkers, took advantage of the good weather last week, taking on the annual Coolagown 5K Road Race & Walk.
The first runner home on the evening was James McCarthy from East Cork AC in a quick time of 15.20.
East Cork AC made it a one-two on the podium with Sean McGrath taking second in a time of 15.50. Rounding out the top three was Andrew Sheehan from Leevale AC, finishing in 16.13.
Martina Kiely from St Finbarrs was the first lady home, in 18.03, followed by Niamh Roe from Leevale AC in 18.40 and Eileen O’Callaghan from Eagle AC in 19.06.
Once the race and walk was complete, the large crowd enjoyed refreshments and home baking prepared by the Parents’ Association of Kilmagner National School.
Goody bags were presented to the children and bottles of water were sponsored by St Nicholas AC – a very generous gesture appreciated by Coolagown Development Group, as was their involvement in the planning stage and the presentation of prizes by all in Coolagown.
The event, once again, was jointly sponsored by Rathbarry Stud and Fitzgerald Fallen Animal Services. Niamh Woods and Noreen Fitzgerald respectively presented the cash prizes to the first three male and three female winners.
Coolagown Development Group acknowledged the very generous and always willing annual sponsorship of this important fundraising event.
“Without this sponsorship it would be impossible to hold the event, the proceeds of which is shared between the Development Group and Kilmagner National School,” a spokesperson for the group said.
The organisers also acknowledged the sponsorship of Herlihy’s Centra in Fermoy, the generosity of those who supplied and erected the tents on the village green, Stack’s field for the parking, the volunteers from Castlelyons who acted as stewards, those who provided the cones, the tables and chairs and the many local people who helped in all sorts of ways throughout the very enjoyable evening.
Ballycotton Race Promotions were once again the official race officials and, thanks to them, all administration on the evening ran very smoothly.
