Friday, 30th May 2025 saw a huge turnout for the Ballyskenach AC 5K, the sixth race in the Healthy Offaly 5K Road Race Series. Glorious sunshine welcomed over 500 participants to Roscrea for what proved to be one of the most memorable evenings in the club’s history.
🏃♂️ Elite Racing on a Scenic Course
The evening kicked off at 6:30pm with over 100 juveniles taking part in the kids' race, followed by a senior field of 413 runners who lined up for the main event. The 5K route, renowned for its mix of speed and scenery, took athletes through the grounds of Cistercian College Roscrea, finishing at Roscrea Rugby Club.
The men’s race was dominated early by a strong quartet, but it was Jac Hopkins who stormed home in 15:05, followed by Peter Brandon Somba of Ballyskenach AC in 15:24, and Matthew Ryan of Moycarkey Coolcroo AC in third (15:34).
In the women’s race, it was Nadine Donegan of Tullamore Harriers AC who claimed top honours in a superb 17:47, ahead of Grace Reilly and Michelle Keenan of Ballyroan Abbeyleix & District AC.
🏆 Monty Franks Perpetual Trophies
One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of the Monty Franks Perpetual Trophies, awarded to the first male and female finishers from Ballyskenach AC:
- 🥇 Peter Brandon Somba
- 🥇 Bríd Ryan
A sincere thank you to Anne Franks and members of the Franks family for joining us to present these prestigious club honours.
🙏 A Community Effort
Speaking after the event, Peter Ormond, Chairperson of Ballyskenach AC, extended his heartfelt gratitude:
"Congratulations to all the athletes, both senior and juvenile, for making this a fantastic event. I want to personally thank our committee, club members, An Garda Síochána, Cistercian College Roscrea, stewards, bikers, photographer, Order of Malta, sponsors, Pop Up Races, those who provided and served refreshments, Roscrea Rugby Club for their facilities, the residents of Mountheaton and Ballyskenach, and Offaly Athletics for their continued support."
📍 What’s Next?
The next race in the Healthy Offaly 5K Road Race Series takes place in Naomh Mhuire, Daingean, on Friday, 13th June at 8:00pm. Ballyskenach AC looks forward to supporting another great night of running.
