Byrne rises fastest to Tonabrucky Challenge
“Ivory Toast”, winners of the Gort Ard Fives, from l-r, Mark Wynne, Jack Counihan (coach), Ronan Gill, Gary Keane, Fionn Murphy (special award winner), Thomas Hynes, Killian Walsh (coach). Front, Stephen Counihan (captain).
Galway City Harrier Owen Byrne took the honours in this second annual Tonabrucky Challenge road race which took place on Saturday.
Organised by Rathun an Chaislean Nua Hurling Club as a fundraiser for the club and Pieta House, this year’s event attracted some 220 competitors from the seasoned runner to the first-timer.
The 6km AAI certified course, which takes in the townlands of Tonabrucky, Drum, Boleybeg and Mincloon, with a tough finish over the famous Tonabrucky Hill, was run in ideal conditions with a slight westerly breeze. Meabh Brannigan took the title for the first woman home and Cormac O’Connor was the first Fit for Life runner home.
"This year’s Tonabrucky Challenge was a fantastic event, with the weather playing a major role in its success,” said Lisa Regan of Cuman Iomanaiochta Rathun an Chaislean Nua. “We had a full complement of runners, walkers, and strollers.”
For more information check out Rahoon Newcastle Hurling Club’s facebook page.
