Our annual Walls of Fethard 5km road race took place last Friday evening, and what a fantastic evening it was. In ideal running conditions, the event saw a record-breaking 287 participants take to the streets, making it our biggest and most successful race to date. The atmosphere was electric, with runners from clubs across the region and beyond delivering top-class performances in both the senior and age category races.
In the Women’s Senior Race, Muireann Duffy of Clonmel AC took the top spot with an incredible time of 17:30. A dominant force from the start, Muireann showcased strength and control to lead the field home. Close behind her was Alana Spillane of Moyne AC in 18:39, a rising star who continues to impress at every level. Alana’s clubmate, Louise Fogarty, finished a close third in 18:43 after a tactical and determined performance.
The women’s age categories saw some exceptional runs. Sharon Kiely claimed first place in the Over 40s with a time of 19:12, proving consistency and experience go hand in hand. Catherine Fogarty set a new course record for the Over 45 category with a fantastic time of 20:15. In the Over 50s, Mairead O’Rourke crossed the line in 22:08, while Diane Behan delivered a record-breaking performance in the Over 55s with a time of 21:52. Fethard AC’s own Eleanor Walsh clocked 27:17 to win the Over 60 category, showing strong local pride. Margaret Power (25:07) and Bernie Sexton (27:49) topped the Over 65 and Over 70 categories respectively, both receiving warm applause for their efforts.
In the Female Juvenile Race, the future of local athletics was on full display. Rosie Roche took first place in 23:21, closely followed by Anna O’Sullivan in 23:34 and Rose Reddy in 24:25 – all representing Fethard AC with pride and promise for the years ahead.
The Men’s Senior Race was fiercely contested, with Mossy Bracken of Moycarkey Coolcroo AC taking the win in a blistering 15:27. Mossy set a relentless pace from the start and never looked back. Dermot Gorman of Carrick-on-Suir AC followed in second place with a strong time of 15:59, while local favourite Emmet McNamara (Fethard AC) thrilled the home crowd with a third-place finish in 16:01.
The men’s age categories were equally competitive. Danny Brosnan of Clonmel AC led the Over 40s with a swift 17:13. Denis McCullagh of Thurles Crokes AC claimed the Over 45s in 18:17. Clonmel AC’s Eelco Beckers ran a brilliant 17:49 to win the Over 50s, while Eugene O’Keefe (Carrick-on-Suir AC) clocked 18:15 in the Over 55s. Fintan Rice of Fethard AC delighted local supporters with an 18:24 finish in the Over 60s. Clubmate Matthew Fleming topped the Over 65s in 24:23, while Clonmel AC’s Ned O’Brien won the Over 70s in 27:37. The evergreen Myles McHugh also of Clonmel AC completed the race in 33:51, taking the Over 80 title and the hearts of the crowd.
In the Male Juvenile category, Jack Browne delivered an outstanding run to win in 17:53, marking him as one to watch. Kyle Ryan finished strong in second place in 20:37, followed by Gerard Ryan of Fethard AC in 21:47, whose effort brought great pride to the home supporters.
The evening was made even more special thanks to the wonderful volunteers and supporters who lined the route and helped behind the scenes. A special thank you to the talented bakers and organisers who provided refreshments afterwards—their delicious treats and warm hospitality were the perfect way to finish off a memorable evening.
Congratulations to all who took part in the Walls of Fethard 5km and helped make it such a successful and enjoyable event. We look forward to welcoming everyone back next year for more great running, community spirit, and celebration 
