Dave Dunne

Club stalwart Dave Dunne emerged from a highly competitive Athenry AC Club Championship on top of the heap in Dangan yesterday. The Championship was decided over 5,000m with handicaps awarded to all entrants based on their previous racing form during this summer. The result was a closely bunched field when all of the figures were collated. Dave just piped Owen Curran for the Championship trophy, thus becoming the third name to be inscribed thereon, alongside Gary Doherty (2004) and Bridget-Anne Walsh (2005). Peter Delmer the race director and fastest runner on the day filled the third slot on handicap.

The race was run in almost perfect conditions at the Dangan track. What we wouldn’t have given for that weather back in July on our previous outing at the track? As a prelude to the main event there was a 400m race for anyone brave enough to risk an injury before the following test over 5,000m. In the shorter event Alan Burke came home first in a highly respectable 57.7 seconds closely pursued by Dave Dunne who was obviously in great form on the day. Michael Rooney flashed past the line in third place in this shorter race giving an indication of his obvious talent over shorter distances. Rumors swirled around the track afterwards that Dave Dunne may have false started on this occasion by the track referee waved all objections aside saying, “Get a grip will yis!”

When the serious business got underway nineteen runners assembled at the start line, a mixture of members and guests. Connemara Marathon race director Ray O’Connor was making a rare appearance in a club vest over a distance of less than 26.2 miles and three great friends of the club Bernie Kelly (Galway City Harriers) , Jim Maher (HP Runners) and Andrew Talbot (Clare River Harriers) were also amongst the field. Ray wanted to know how many water stops there would be for the race ahead and was apparently disconcerted to be told he only had twelve laps to run. Part-time runner and full-time hurling referee James Lundon , had a great incentive to run well as he was late for an important engagement in Athenry that afternoon; unfortunately his dodgy hamstring held him back somewhat and Jim Maher surged past the fading Lundon on the final straight to claim a famous scalp. Club web-master (nerd?) Alan Burke made ‘dashing’ strides around the track in shades and fluorescent shoes. We really must buy Alan a light bulb so that he doesn't have to continue to get dressed in the dark. Unfortunately club captain Johnnie O’Connor had to run the entire distance with a basin in one hand after a serious session on the beer the night before – he resembled a slimmed-down Shrek in baggy shorts. We don't count Guinness as carbo-loading Johnnie.

Gary Doherty is making great improvements over all distances in recent times and, fresh from the Tuam 8K the night before, was to run an impressive 18:26 for the distance and post the third fastest time on the day. New recruit Martin Keane made a brave bid for the Masters championship with a strong and highly consistent run over the twelve and a half laps. If ever there was an advertisement for the benefits of fresh fruit and vegetables Martin is one. Bridget-Anne didn’t give up her championship title from last year without a fight and she was eventually to pip Martin for the Master title this year. Congrats Bridget-Anne, more silverware for the mantelpiece!

Up at the front of the field Peter Delmer and Brian O’Connor were ‘duking’ it out lap after lap. A hot pace was set and unfortunately it was one that Brian couldn’t keep going. Brian had made a last minute decision to compete as he was suffering with a bad head cold and his withdrawal after around ten laps was understandable. Jeff Noone was another who didn’t make it to the full distance pulling out at about the halfway mark with an apparent injury. Hopefully Jeff will be back in action very soon. Mark Flannery , having registered to run and warmed up was called away from the track at the last moment before he could even start the race, hopefully he was able to attend to the urgent business that arose. Peter Delmer was to go on to post a fine time of 17:06 (PB) running strongly all the way to the finish line. Peter’s fine race added a bit of real class to proceedings and he fully deserved his debut race win and the silver cup presented to the fastest athlete on the day.

Michael Rooney confirmed his good form from the 400m in the longer championship race running very strongly and ahead of other club members who might have expected to stay with him on the day. Michael has show great improvements over the last twelve months and long may it continue.

And so all in all a fantastic day at the track as it was a highly competitive race with plenty of prizes. Many thanks to Seamus O'Donnell and Dermot McNamara who officiated again this year helping to add a real touch of professionalism to the timing and lap counting - no small task. Thanks also to the walking-wounded - those members who could not run on the day but who turned up to ensure everybody else's race went well.

Extra special thanks of course has to go to this years Race Director Peter Delmer who organised a superb event for the rest of us to enjoy.

Congrats of course go to the winners of ‘silverware’;

Overall Champion Dave Dunne

Masters Champion Bridget-Anne Walsh

Fastest Runner Peter Delmer

A Great Success!

Roll on 2007!