Royal County returns to Kells

Bank holiday Mon May 2nd saw the return of the Royal County 10k & 5k event to Kells following a two year lapse due to the pandemic.

Just under 500 participants took part between the 10k & 5k events. Weather conditions were ideal for running and in particular for the youthful Sean Murphy from Trim AC who demolished the 10k field by being the first runner past the finish line in an impressive time of 35 mins 42 seconds – a new course record. Aileen Briody from Bohermeen AC was the first female athlete home in the 10k in a time of 43:21secs.

Lea Fulcher produced a sensational run of 15 mins 40 secs to capture the men`s 5k title – another course record. Edel Gaffney set a new course record also as the first female home in the 5k distance with a time of 18:11 secs.

Special mention to Michal Baron, our wheelchair athlete who completed the 5k distance in the time of 40 mins 25secs.

Additional to the participants who took part on the day in Kells were a number of students who completed the 5k:

• 83 first year students & teachers from Loreto Navan completed their 5k in Blackwater Park, Navan
• 22 pupils & teachers from the Autism Unit in Beaufort College who completed their 5k on the Ramparts, Navan

Also taking part were 22 virtual participants (runners in Perth to walkers on the Camino, Spain) who completed their 5k.

• 1st Aileen Briody (Bohermeen AC) 43:21
• 2nd Fiona Claffey (No club) 43:43
• 3rd Susie Grimes (No club) 45:43

• 1st Sean Murphy (Trim AC) 35:42
• 2nd Barry Watters (Navan AC) 38:03
• 3rd Robbie Kenny (Trim AC) 39:50

10k MJ: Eoghan Smith 47:31

M40: Gordon Manning (Raheny Shamrock AC) 40:01

M50: Tony Walsh (Bohermeen AC) 40:13

M60: Pat Corcoran (Trim AC) 42:39

5k MJ:James McDonnell 17:51

M40: Pauric Brady (Mullingar Harriers) 18:48

M50: Michael Reilly (No Club) 20:11

M60: John Bell (No Club) 29:25

M70:Desmond Brownlie (Lagan Valley AC) 37:30

The organisers – Meath Local Sports Partnership extended their congratulations to all the winners and expressed thanks to Brian of Club Active Kells for sponsoring each of the runner up and category prizes and offering their facility for showers afterwards.

For some people participating on the day, this event was their very first 5k or 10k to complete. Congratulations to everyone who did so, it`s tough one to start with, but well worth it. If you can mange Kells, you can manage any route!

Full list of results are available at myrunresults.com and photos from the day are available on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/meathsportspartnership thanks to photographer Bernard Hand of Kells Photography Club and David Mullin, Quirke Photography for giving of their time to capture the atmosphere, winners and participants from the day itself.

Meath LSP also expressed their thanks to all who supported the event in particular to Kells AC; Heery family from St Brigid`s AC; Kells Gardai; Civil Defence; Michael McGoldrick Sound; Motorbike Marshals; Meath County Council and local volunteers. Special acknowledgement to Vincent and Olivia Duff and staff of the Headfort Arms Hotel who kindly opened their facilities much needed refreshments afterwards free of charge to all the participants.