Andrew Lynskey from Belmullet joined Mayo AC this year and has already established himself in the senior ranks. After a great performance in the National 10k last week, he won the 10k race from Clonbur to Cornamona on Sunday in aid of Zambia Housing Project. His finishing time was 37.15 on a very difficult course in windy conditions. Close behind in second place was clubmate Anto Devaney in 37.51. Other Mayo AC finishers were Dave Huane in 40.30, - fresh from his latest PB, 17.54 in the Athenry 5k the previous Tuesday, PJ Hall, and Christy O'Malley.
On Sunday there was another race in Letterkenny, the annual North West Charity 10k which attracted a field of 356. Again this course was tough and hilly and the wind was a major factor. John Byrne finished fifth in 34.01 behind winner Pauric McKinney 32.52, a similar gap between them as in the National 10k the previous Sunday. Another Mayo AC newcomer Sarah Syron found the conditions tougher than Navan and finished in 48.27.
On Bank Holiday Monday at Ballincar, Sligo Carers Association held a 10k race out and back via the headland at Rosses Point. Some 200 participated in blustery conditions, especially on the outward 5k. John Byrne called in on his way back from Letterkenny and despite his efforts there in the 10k the previous day, was the easy winner in 34.00. Tom Hunt was 10th and first veteran in 40.22. Newport's Noreen McManamon had not been able to race since last summer due to a number of injuries but made a great return to be third woman finisher in a fine time of 41.42 and will look forward with confidence to the Carramore 10k on May 16. Sarah Syron knocked two minutes off her time in the Letterkenny race finishing in 46.24 and will also be a keen contestant in the first race of the 2009 Mayo AC Road League.
Road race launch
The launch of the 2009 Vodafone C&C Cellular Mayo AC Road Race League will take place at Lough Lannagh village, Castlebar, tomorrow (May 9 ) at 10.30am. There will be a club meeting there afterwards and all members are invited to attend. The first league race, the Carramore 10k, takes place next Saturday at 6pm. There is also a four mile walk on a separate course. Registration from 4.30pm at the Community Centre Carramore
