Laura Earley puts local knowledge to good use in Tipperary 10 Mile Championship
Competition was keen in Fethard
The women’s race in the County 10 mile Road Championship in Fethard was very competitive.
Here the leading group of four, Nikkie Kenneally Moycarkey Coolcroo AC, the Moyne AC duo of Eilen McCullough and Orla Healy and local favourite Laura Earley, the current County Intermediate Champion, set the pace. They were still in close proximity as they approached the eight-mile mark.
Then over the closing few kilometres, Laura Earley, using local knowledge to good advantage, moved clear and came home a very worthy and convincing champion in 65 minutes 55 seconds to win her first County Senior title.
We then had Eileen McCullagh winning the silver medal in 66 minutes 48 seconds, with her clubmate Orla Healy winning the bronze medal in 67 minutes 11 seconds. Nikkii Kenneally was fourth in 68 minutes 12 seconds, Edel Roche was fifth and first Over 45 in 69 minutes 34 seconds, Kate Kennedy Templemore AC was sixth in 70 minutes 47 seconds and second Over 45.
The age category winners were as follows: Over 35 first, Tanya O’Brien Fethard AC, second, Lindsey Ryan Thurles Crokes AC and third, Tara Power, Fethard AC. Over 40 first, Laura Burke Carey, Thurles Crokes AC, second, Aine Roche Fethard AC and third, Michelle Stephens Thurles Crokes AC.
Over 45, Emily Leahy Dundrum AC. Over 50 first, Anne Marie Halpin Clonmel AC and second, Aine Doocey Fethard AC. Over 55 first, Deirdre Royce Fethard AC, second, Martina Ryan Thurles Crokes AC and third, Siobhan Maher, Fethard AC. Over 60 first, Anna Byrne Clonmel AC and first Over 65 was Esme Alexander Coolquill AC.
In the team competition the Fethard AC team of Laura Earley, Edel Roche and Tanya O’Brien won the gold medals. The Moyne AC team of Eileen McCullagh, Orla Healy and Edel Delaney won the silver medals. The Fethard AC team of Paula Hendricksen, Aine Roche and Deirdre Royne won the bronze medals.
In the B Section the Fethard AC team of Aoife Horan, Aine Doocey and Siobhan Maher won the gold medals while their team of Lisa Williams, Teresa Coffey and Kitty Conry won the silver medals.