from Donore Harriers website The Waterhouse Byrne Baird Shield got going today after postponing the traditional St. Stephen’s day slot because of heavy snow. The race got away at the scheduled 11am time with numbers down slightly on the originally listed 49 runners. The coveted Shield is presented to the winner of our annual club 10 mile cross country race staged since 1896
Conditions were pretty wet and muddy as a result of the recent thaw but were otherwise good for the 32 starters. First to set off was Irish masters athlete Ann Woodlock with the rest of the field setting off at staggered handicaps. John Travers was set at scratch in the original race program but did not take part which meant the honors of scratch man went to Keith Daly. After 1 hour 27 mins and 26 secs, Colin Moore was first to cross the line in a time 1hr.06.26 and claim the shield for the first time.
Tom Hickey followed home in second place just over 2 mins behind in a finish time of 1.29.31 (Actual running time 1hr.04.01). Third man home was Fergal Swaine (1.29.43) having a great run, just outside the hour in 1hr.00.43, with Ken Nugent (1.29.46) in fourth and clocking the fastest time of 57mins 16secs. First Woman home was Florrie Curley in 1.32.29 (actual time 1.10.29) with Sister Anne (1.32.32) just 3 secs behind with the woman’s fastest time of 1.06.32. Eoghan Meyler running the 10 mile distance for the first time was the fastest Junior with a time of 1.13.43.
There were a number of DNFs, most notably Kevin English who suffered a bad cut to his foot and needed 6 stitches. We wish him a speedy recovery. Well done to all who finished the race and congratulations to Colin on his win.