The National Road Relays in Raheny today brought mixed fortunes for Clonliffe. While the senior men medalled once again there was heart break for the women who finished in 4th place.
As always the Road Relays are great for team spirit building coming after the conclusion of the cross country season and just before the forthcoming track season. Once again there was a good turn out from clubs supporting this event, hosted once again by Raheny Shamrocks.
The Clonliffe senior men put in a spirited display with a team blend of youth and experience. Leading off on the 2 mile leg Ian Guiden took things by the scruff of the neck from 400m as he took the lead and ran a very positive leg (9.36) to pass over the lead to Kristaps Valters on the mile, another good leg (4.32) as Kris held off the chasing pack passing onto Colm Rooney for the make or break 3 lapper. Colm was up against sub 4 minute miler Alberto Sanchez of defending title holders Sligo AC, at the hand over the Sligo team lead from Ennis TC and Clonliffe, Colm`s leg was 14.22. On the final 2 lap leg Brian MacMahon did all that was possible chasing Ennis TC hard but in the end had to be content with holding off a fast finishing Raheny team. Brian running 10.00 was enough to hold onto bronze. Sligo AC successfully defended their title winning in 38.36, Ennis TC were 2nd 38.50 with Clonliffe 3rd 38.55.
The Clonliffe B squad put in some fine runs. Edgars Sumskis ran a fine 2 mile leg (9.44), passing onto Andrew Jenkinson, running his first team race for Clonliffe in some time, (4.40) and then to junior athlete Cathal Doyle on the tough 3 miler, a fine run by young Cathal of 16.23 and then onto another of the club`s juniors Brian Flanagan (11.05). the B team placing 11th (41.57)
The senior women put in a real battling performance and were so close to glory. Becky Woods, in the form of her life was superb on the mile leg running 5.00 to hand over in the lead to Eleanor Alexander, Eleanor held the lead for her 2 mile leg (11.09) and then passed onto Bernadette Kiernan. Bernadette ran an excellent leg, but was over hauled by more experienced athletes to finish a fraction off the medals in 4th. Winners were Leevale 21.24, 2nd Crusaders AC 21.35, defending champions DSD were 3rd 21.39 with Clonliffe 4th (21.56)
Finally the Master men O/50s team of George Maybury (6.01), Philip O`Doherty (11.14)and Pat Byrne (5.50) put in a good shift but also out of the points paying position.
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