from the Munster Express website Ravis Wins Anne-Valley Race
On a beautiful sprig day in Dunhill on Sunday last the 2nd annual Anne Valley 5 miles road race attracted an entry of 180 and the walk had 168 competing the proceeds go to Our Ladys Hospital, Crumlin. In the run it was a 1-2-3 for West Waterford athletes with Ravis Jakis the easiest of winners in 26 metres 30 seconds, Sean still was second and Declan McGrath third. Diane Behan again from West Waterford AC was first lady home in 32-09, Marie Murphy Griffin Waterford AC was second and in third place was Mary Doolin St. Josephs 1st Male over 40 – John Walsh Waterford AC, O50, P. J. Dwyer St. Senans U18, Ben Callaghan, Local Paddy Flynn U16 Ben Kiely Ferrybank 1st Lady O35 – Shelly Brennan, Waterford, O45 Mary Ryan Jennings, Waterford A.C. Starter was Jim Harney Dunhill. Overall a very good event and thanks to all involved in many ways. In the Organisation not alone on the day but in the months leading up to it.
The second annual Anne Valley 5 Mile Challenge was an outstanding success on Sunday last. Well done to Maire Ryan and Tricia Quinn, who were the main organisers of the event. A huge thank you goes to Waterford AC, without whom the event could not have been run so smoothly.
We can’t imagine having the event without Fintan Walsh. His commentary, knowledge of the athletes and the locals and, of course, the great music creates a wonderful atmosphere. Thank you to The Red Cross, all the marshals, and also to Alice, Tish and Mary who did a wonderful job supplying the refreshments to such a large crowd.
Congratulations to everybody who participated, walkers and runners: 168 walkers and 180 runners went off on the day. I’m sure this event will go from strength to strength. It was so encouraging to see the young and not-so-young out running and walking. This is a very healthy outlook. Everyone was a winner on the day and some very promising local athletes were seen.
The winner was Raivis Zakis, West Waterford 26.30
2nd: Sean Stilwell, West Waterford 27.59
3rd: Declan McGrath 28.09
4th: Patrick Flynn, 29.17 (also 1st Local Male)
First Female: Diane Behan
2nd: Maria Griffin
First Male over 40: John Walsh WAC
First Male over 50; PJ Dwyer, St. Senans
Female over 40: Mary Burke WAC
Female over 45: Mary Ryan Jennings;
Female over 35: Shelley Brennan WAC;
Female U16: Jenny Walsh
First Local Female: Megan Kiely
First Male U16: Eamon Murphy 30.21
First Family: Kiely Family.
The prizes were presented by Willie Moore, DREL. All monies raised go to Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin, where some children from the community are being treated and cared for at the moment. €5000 was raised on the day. Refreshments were served at Harney’s afterwards; everyone enjoyed the fantastic music of Glor and we thank them also for their generosity.
The main sponsors were Dunhill Rural Enterprises Ltd (DREL); also Hasbro, Pims Business Systems, Dunhill GAA Club, Harney’s Bar, Noel Whelan Furniture Design, Colin Comerford, Tax Consultant, Dunphy’s Fruit and Vegetable Suppliers, Celebration Travel, Anthony Corbett Construction, Havenwood Retirement Village, Donal Murphy, Fence Supplies, Spokes Cycles, Iarnróid Eireann, McCabe’s Restaurant, Glenpatrick Water, Gallagher’s Chemist, L’Atmosphere Restaurant, Waterford Golf Club, Musgrave Cash and Carry. The organisers thank all the sponsors very sincerely for their generosity. We look forward to 2009 and the 3rd Anne Valley 5 Mile Challenge.
