Raheny Shamrocks Sweep Men's Categories at National 5 Mile Championships

The National 5 Mile Championships held in Dublin yesterday attracted a strong field of club athletes from around the country. The race commenced amidst the green backdrop of Chesterfield Avenue in the Phoenix Park, offering runners a scenic course through one of Europe's largest city parks.

Much of the men's race was a three-way battle between Kieran Kelly of Raheny Shamrocks, Luke Johnston of Moy Valley, and Ian Guiden of Clonliffe Harriers. However, Kelly pulled away in the concluding mile to secure victory in a time of 24:11, edging out Johnston by eleven seconds. Guiden closely followed Johnston, finishing seventeen seconds behind.

The women's race was a more decisive affair, marked by Ciara Wilson's impressive performance, earning the D.M.P. A.C. athlete first place in 27:25, a minute ahead of her closest competitor, Heather Murphy of St. Michael’s A.C. Niamh O’Mahony from An Ríocht finished third, just behind Murphy, with a time of 28:38.

In the men's team category, Raheny Shamrocks secured another victory. Alongside Kieran Kelly, the team featured Michael Brady, Anthony Sharkey, and Ciaran McCarthy, clinching the title in a time of 1:44:21. They finished just three seconds ahead of Celbridge A.C. (1:44:24), with Clonliffe Harriers taking third place in 1:45:43..

In the women's team category, Wicklow's Sli Cualann A.C. clinched first place in a time of 1:32:11, with Sheila O'Byrne, Catherine O'Connor, and Lucy Malley putting in a strong display to finish a minute and a half ahead of Raheny Shamrock A.C. (1:33:45). Moyne A.C. came in third with a time of 1:36:27.

Men's Top Finishers:

1. Kieran Kelly, Raheny Shamrocks A.C. - 24:11
2. Luke Johnston, Moy Valley A.C. - 24:29
3. Ian Guiden, Clonliffe Harriers A.C. - 24:46

Women's Top Finishers:

1. Ciara Wilson, D.M.P. A.C. - 27:25
2. Heather Murphy, St. Michael’s A.C. - 28:25
3. Niamh O’Mahony, An Ríocht A.C. - 28:38

1. Raheny Shamrocks A.C. - 01:44:21
2. Celbridge A.C - 1:44:24
3. Clonliffe Harriers - 1:45:43

Women's Senior Team Top Finishers:

1. Sli Cualann A.C. 01:32:11
2. Raheny Shamrocks A.C. - 01:33:45
3. Moyne A.C. - 01:36:27