A look at the Three Counties Race Series

The annual Three Counties Race Series is organised by Carrick Road Runners and has been going for over 10 years. There are currently 4 races in the series and they are held in Tipperary, Waterford and Kilkenny.

The 2019 series finished up recently and this is what the numbers for each race looks like...

The numbers for the Piltown 10k this year were well up which helped offset the drop in numbers for the Faugheen 5k and Portlaw 5 mile.

If we look at the current four races in the series and work out an average for them over the years, this is the chart we get...

As can be seen, there was a big drop from 2013 to 2017 but it seems to have stabilised since then.

All the results of the races in the series for 2019 can be found on the Carrick Road Runners website.

Kilkenny...Results of the Piltown 10k road race - Fri 31st July 2015

The fifth and final race in the Three Counties Series was held in Piltown, Co.Kilkenny on Friday the 31st of August. A total of 128 runners took part in the 10km race.

1  32:54 SHEIL, Niall St Killians Senior Men 05:17.6
2  33:00 MURPHY, Brian Carrick AC Senior Men 05:18.5
3  33:55 SMITH, Danny Ballynonty Senior Men 05:27.4
28  39:26 ANNAN, Claire Clonmel AC Senior Ladies 06:20.6
32  39:52 HORE, Annaleigh Kilmore ac Senior Ladies 06:24.8
48  42:02 NOLAN, Kate Waterford AC Senior Ladies 06:45.7  

The full results can be seen HERE

Photos...
1) There is a small gallery of photos from the organisers HERE 

Race report from the organisers......
Morris Oil Piltown 10k
The 2015 OutfieldSports Three Counties Challenge came to its conclusion on Friday evening last with the eighth running of the Morris Oil Piltown 10k in Co. Kilkenny. A field of 130 runners lined up for this race and thankfully the forecast rain held off to leave ideal running conditions.  The race started on the grounds of Kildalton Horticultural College and as the field made its way through the scenic first mile it was Carrick AC's Brian Murphy who took up the lead. Brian was closely followed by Niall Sheil from St. Killians AC and the race for first place was to develop into a great tussle between these two consistent athletes. It was inside the final mile that Niall overtook Brian and finished the final stretch into Piltown GAA club grounds very strongly to record a convincing victory. This win also ensured Niall's overall race series win and he received the series shield and a pair of technical running shoes for his efforts. Ballynonty AC's Danny Smith ran another fine race to finish in third place.

In the ladies' race it was Claire Annan from Clonmel AC who took the winner's prize with a strong run timed at 39:20. In second place was Annaleigh Hore from Kilmore AC in 39:52 and Kate Nolan from Waterford AC took third place in 42:02. The ladies' overall series prize was won by Carrick AC's Mary Molloy for the second consecutive year.

Carrick AC would like to thank all who helped in the organisation and running of this year's race. We are especially grateful for the continued generous sponsorship of Morris Oil, Fiddown over the past eight years. Thanks also to Alan Treacy, Outfield Sports, Carrick-on-Suir for once again sponsoring the series. As always, Carrick-on-Suir Red Cross was on hand to provide medical assistance when needed and we are very grateful to Finola Walsh and her team for their invaluable help. We would also like to thank Kildalton Horticultural College and Piltown GAA Club for the use of their grounds and facilities.    

Morris Oil Piltown 10k winners:
Senior Men1. Niall Sheil  (St. Killians AC)  32:54   2.  Brian Murphy  (Carrick AC)  33:00    3.  Danny Smith  (Ballynonty AC)  33:55O/40 :  Frank Quinlan (Waterford AC)  34:20O/45 : Ger Murray   38:15O/50 : Ray Hassey  (Waterford AC)  38:46O/55 : Declan Flynn  (West Waterford)  39:29O/60 :  John Foley (West Waterford)  48:16Junior : Jonathan Crowley(St. Senans AC) 39:11Team :  Waterford AC  ( Noel Murphy, Pat Grant and John Nolan)

Senior Ladies1. Claire Annan  (Clonmel AC)  39:26   2. Annaleigh Hore  (Kilmore AC)  39:52   3. KateNolan  (Waterford AC)  42:02O/35 :  Joan Mahony  (Waterford AC) 42:55O/40 : Yvonne O' Connor  (Clonmel AC)  43:46O/45 :  Liz Jolly  49:56O/50  :  Phyllis Flynn (West Waterford)  42:10O/55 : Terri Gough (West Waterford)  66:00Team :  Carrick AC   ( Mary Molloy, Geraldine Houlihan and Ann Cronin)

Notice...Piltown 10k road race, Kilkenny - Fri 31st July 2015

The 5th and final race in the Outfield Sports 3 Counties Challenge takes place in Piltown, Co.Kilkenny on Friday, the 31st of July at 7:30pm.

Info from the organisers Carrick Road Runners...The fifth and final race in this year's Outfieldsports.ie Three Counties Challenge will take place on Friday next, 31st July, with the ninth annual running of the Morris Oil Piltown 10k in County Kilkenny. The race will start on the grounds of Kildalton Horticultural College, Piltown, at 7:30pm and takes in the scenic college grounds and some quiet country roads before finishing in Piltown GAA Club grounds. The race route is fast and provides runners with a great opportunity to achieve a personal best time for the 10k distance.

There will be prizes for first 3 Men and Women, as well as the usual Age Category prizes. There will also be a Mens and Womens Team Prize. As this is the last race of this year's series, the 3 Counties Challenge Series Shield will be presented to the best placed Man and Woman in the Series. They will each also receive a pair of Technical New Balance Runners.

Race entry is €10 and entries will be taken from 6pm in Piltown GAA Club.   Runners who complete four of the five races in this year's Challenge will receive a €25 voucher for New Balance Technical running shoes which can be used at series sponsor, Outfield Sports, Carrick-on-Suir.

Parking and changing/shower facilities will be available in Piltown GAA Club and prize-giving and post-race refreshments will also be held in the club's complex after the race.

Course Preview...A full preview of the course with maps, directions, photos, etc can be seen HERE

Notice...Rathgormack 5 mile road race, Waterford - Fri 10th July 2015

The 4th race of 5 in the ongoing Outfield Sports 3 Counties Challenge is coming up next Friday, the 10th of July in Rathgormack, NW Waterford. Note that the race starts at 7:30pm.

Note from the organisers...Are you up for the Comeragh Challenge! Had a nice Summer of running Nice, Flat Road Races? Fancy a challenge? Why not check out Race 4 of the Outfield Sports.ie 3 Counties challenge at Rathgormack Co Waterford , right under the Comeragh Mountains on Friday 10th July. The Auto Power Rathgormack 5 mile Road race, is a toughie, with 2 big Up Hills, although slightly compensated with 2 nice down hills, so a competitive time is still possible. What is not in question is the beauty of the scenery in this lovely part of Co Waterford, as well as the warm welcome that awaits you after the race in the Hiking Center .

There will be prizes for First 3 Mens and Women, and usual Age Catagories and Team Prizes. And the Fantastic Draw for a pair of Mens and Womens New Balance Tech Runners (Worth €135) from our series sponsors Outfield Sports will also be open to everyone in the race who hasn't won a prize. There will also be loads of Spot Prizes on the Night.

Registration is open from 6:00 at the Hiking Center and Race Entry is just €10.00 . So break up those long flat Runs this summer and take on the Comeragh Challenge!  Looking Forward to seeing you there!

Location...Rathgormack is located to the south-west of Carrick-on-Suir. It is approx 2 miles NW of the crossroads between the R676 and the R678.

Race HQ is Rathgormack Hiking Centre which is located next to the church...

Course Preview........A full preview with maps, profile, photos, etc can be seen HERE

Tipperary...Notice for the Deadmans 5 mile road race, Carrick-on-Suir - Fri 5th June 2015

The third race of five in the Three Counties Challenge is coming up on Friday, the 5th of June with the Deadman's 5 mile in Carrick-on-Suir in S.Tipperary.

From the organisers......The Outfieldsports.ie 3 Counties Challenge moves back to County Tipperary for Race 3 in the series, the "Deadman's 5" mile road race on Friday 6th June @ 7:30 sharp. This race, now in it's 9th year, starts at the picturesque Ormonde Castle in Carrick on Suir, and goes through the center of the town before taking in a loop of the famous Deadman's Boreen, finishing on a lovely long straight stretch at the back of the Town Park , 5 Miles in total. It is mostly flat, with a short drag in the middle, but mile 4 on is slightly downhill, so a good time is possible.

 
More details from the organisers....... Registration takes place at the Carrick Swan GAA Hall (behind the Garda Barracks) from 6:00 p.m. Please note the race must start on time at 7:30 as part of the route goes over a railway crossing, so Registration will close at 7:10. Entry fee is €10.00

There will be changing and shower facilities after the race in the Club Hall, and also after race refreshments will be in the hall this year.

Don't forget, as well as the usual prizes (please see flyer) , there will be a Draw for a pair of Mens and Womens New Balance Tech Runners (RRP €135) on the night -all non prize winning runners will be entered.

Please see www.carrickroadrunners or the club facebook page for further info.

There will be changing and shower facilities after the race in the Club Hall, and also after race refreshments will be in the hall this year.

Course Map...

 The 5 mile course starts and finishes in the town and takes in a loop to the north.

Closer look at the town section...

Preview.....A full preview of the course with photos can be seen HERE

Tipperary...Results of the Faugheen 5k road race - Fri 24th Apr 2015

The first race in the Outfield Sports 3 Counties Challenge got underway in the village of Faugheen with a field of 162 runners.

Faugheen 5k Winners :
Senior Men : 1. David Mansfield (Garda AC) 15:28 2. Niall Sheil (St. Killians) 15:45 3. Noel Murphy (Waterford AC) 15:49
O/40 ; Martin Monaghan (Slaney Olympic) 16:32
O/45 ; PJ Guinan (West Waterford AC) 17:05
O/50 ; Brendan Cronin (Carrick AC) 18:47
O/55 ; Tom Moroney (West Waterford AC) 20:22
O/60 ; Joe Gough (West Waterford AC) 18:24
Team : Thurles Crokes AC (Patrick Hughes, John Fitzgibbon and John Treacy)

David Mansfield...winner of the 2015 Faugheen 5k race

Senior Ladies : 1. Siobhan O' Doherty (Borrisokane AC) 17:15 2. Claire Annan ( Clonmel AC) 18:28 3. Maedbh Savage (Waterford AC) 19:19
O/35 ; Joan Mahony (Waterford AC) 19:25
O/40 ; Siobhan McHugh (Clonmel AC) 19:29
O/45 ; Catherine Condon (West Waterford AC) 25:02
O/50 ; Maura O' Neill (Carrick AC) 23:05
O/55 ; Bernie Prendergast (West Waterford AC) 22:53
Team : Carrick AC ( Mary Molloy, Ann Cronin, Bernie Sexton)

Siobhan O'Doherty...winner of the 2015 Faugheen 5k race

The full results are available on the Carrick Road Runners website

Photos...
1) John Murphy photography has a number of photos HERE

From the organisers......Bobby Fitzgerald Accounting Faugheen 5k

The 2015 OutfieldSports.ie Three Counties Challenge got off to a flying start on Friday evening when 163 runners lined up for the third annual Faugheen 5k. This race was once again kindly sponsored by Bobby Fitzgerald Accounting, Carrick-on-Suir. The series, which is now in its ninth year, takes in races over 5k to 10k in the three neighbouring counties of Tipperary, Waterford and Kilkenny.

Conditions were perfect as the runners set off from just outside the village on the fast, flat loop traditionally used for the 'Faugheen 50' motorcycle races. Right from the start it was David Mansfield (Garda AC) who led out the field. David maintained his strong pace to come home in a time of 15:28 and add to his recent victory in the Ballinroad 5k. In a close-run battle for the places, it was Niall Sheil (St. Killian's AC) who took the runner-up prize in a time of 15:45, just ahead of Waterford AC athlete, Noel Murphy (15:49). Carrick AC's top finisher in the men's race was Derek Walsh who clocked 17:41 in 21st place.

The ladies' race was won for the second consecutive year by Siobhan O' Doherty (Borrisokane AC) who came home in 17:15, just five seconds off the course record which she set last year. Second place went to Clonmel AC's Claire Annan in 18:28 and Maedbh Savage from Waterford AC took the third prize in 19:19. Mary Molloy was Carrick AC's first finisher in 19:40.

Congratulations to Stephanie Coffey and Thomas Kavanagh who both won a pair of New Balance running shoes in the post-race draw.

Carrick AC would like to thank all who helped to make this event such a resounding success. We are particularly grateful to Bobby Fitzgerald for the generous race sponsorship and to Alan Treacy of Outfield Sports for the continued sponsorship of the series.
Our friends in Carrick-on-Suir Red Cross were once again on hand to provide the vital medical and ambulance back-up and we are once again very grateful to Finola Walsh and the team for their assistance. A big thank you also to all of our race stewards who ensured the safety of all runners along the race route and to the Bartley family for providing parking facilities.
Thanks also to the many volunteers who helped with parking, registration and race results. The post-race refreshments and prize-giving in Flemings Bar were greatly enjoyed by all and thanks to Margaret Fleming for looking after everybody so well.

The second race in the series will be the O' Neill Pharmacy Tom Jordan Memorial road race over 5 miles in Portlaw on Friday, 8th May at the slightly later time of 7:30pm.

Photos : John Murphy Photography

The organisers have a gallery HERE

Notice...Three Counties Challenge (Tipperary-Waterford-Kilkenny)...Apri-July 2015

The Outfield Sports 3 Counties Challenge is a popular race series which runs from April to July every year. Following the success of last year, the organisers Carrick-on-Suir AC have kept the same format with the same 5 races covering the three counties of Waterford, Tipperary and Kilkenny.

Location of race series.....within easy driving distance of Waterford, Dungarvan, Clonmel, Cashel, Thurles and Kilkenny.

Course previews....Faugheen 5k...Portlaw 5m...Deadmans 5m Carrick-on-Suir...Rathgormack 5m...Piltown 10k

Here is some additional info from Carrick-on-Suir AC.......
All systems go for 3 Counties 2015

Carrick on Suir A.C.’s 3 Counties Challenge has firmly established itself in the South East running calendar since its inception in 2007, with the series growing from a single race with 100 runners to last year’s record  5 race series with over  a thousand participants. The 9th running of the series  again starts with a 5KM race building up to a 10KM in the last race making it an ideal race series for anyone new to running, while also satisfying more experienced runners .

This year’s Series will start on Friday 24th April with the 3rd running of the Faugheen 5Km Road race, kindly sponsored by Bobby Fitzgerald Accountants. This flat course will be held on the famous Faugheen 50 Motor bike circuit in the pretty Tipperary village, and has been the scene of many PB’s ovr the last 2 years -already a runner’s favourite in the South East. Please note earlier start time of 7:00 p.m. for this race only.

This will be followed closely by the O’Neill Pharmacy Tom Jordan Memorial Portlaw 5 Mile Road race on Friday 8th May @ the normal Start time of 7:30 p.m... This race, organised with the Portlaw Red Cross, is another fast course and last year’s new Route, which got rave reviews after the race, will be used again this year. A great race and all proceeds go to the Red Cross.

The third race in the series will see us return to County Tipperary and the ever popular “Deadman’s” 5 Mile Road race on Friday 5th June @ 7:30 p.m. Now in its 10th year, this race starts outside the beautiful Ormond Castle in the centre of Carrick on Suir, taking in a scenic 5 mile run around the Deadman’s Boreean (hence the name!)  And finishes on a lovely straight stretch passing the tree lined town park.

The penultimate race in the series see’s us visit County Waterford again, and the picturesque village of Rathgormack for the Auto Power Rathgormack 5 Mile on July 10th. This challenging, undulating course is an ever popular addition to the series, thanks mainly to the beautiful scenery of the Comeragh Mountains and the superb home cooking in the Hiking Centre after the race.

Finally, the series will end in County Kilkenny with the Morris Oil Piltown 10Km road race on Friday 31st July @ 7:30pm. Another scenic trek, the race starts in the grounds of the Kildalton Agricultural College, winding its way down by the Lake and tree lined avenue before a circuit of the flat roads around Piltown and ending at the Piltown GAA Club. Another firm favourite in the series, 2015 will be the eight running of this race.

The club is delighted to welcome back local specialist running store Outfield Sports of Carrick on Suir as the series sponsor for the 9th year (now promoting its new website, hence the outfieldsports.ie 3 Counties Challenge), and is delighted that New Balance, the US based Running Brand, are also involved as title sponsors. We are very grateful to our sponsors for their continued support and it is great to see the same names supporting our series year after year. As usual, the message from the club is for all of the series runners to return the support to these businesses who have been good enough to help us, despite the harsh economic climate.

The Prize fund for the series will be in excess of €6,000, with prizes in all the usual age categories. There will also be a Team Prize at each race as well as spot prizes all the way down the field. And there will be an overall men’s and women’s series prize of €150 and a perpetual trophy (4 out of 5 Races to count) . And a great new addition to the series will be a prize of a ladies and men’s pair of New Balance running shoes worth €130 to be raffled off at each race amongst the non-prize winning participants, courtesy of our series sponsor Outfield Sports. Finally, any one running 4 out of 5 Races will receive a voucher for €25 to go towards New Balance running shoes at Outfield Sports.

All entries are on the night @ €10 per race, and you can save money by signing up for the series for €40 on the First Night –That’s 5 Races for the price of 4! There will be up to date information on the club website at www.carrickroadrunners.ie and on our club Facebook page.

 As usual the race series is ideal for new runners to progress from 5km to 10 km through the summer, is well stewarded, with accurately measured courses, good grub after the race and the famous Carrick AC welcome to all our runners. Looking forward to meeting all our friends (New & Old) this summer in the sunny South East! 

 

Kilkenny...Results of the Piltown 10k race - Fri 1st Aug 2014

Report from Carrick-On-Suir AC........The Morris Oil Piltown 10k on Friday evening last was the fifth and final race of this year's very successful OutfieldSports.ie Three Counties Challenge. This series, now in its eighth year, includes races from 5k up to 10k in the neighbouring counties of Tipperary, Kilkenny and Waterford.

In perfect running conditions, a field of 177 runners lined up for the race start on the grounds of Kildalton Horticultural College. As the field made its way through the scenic college grounds it was Philip Harty from West Waterford AC who went to the front with a group of four runners in close pursuit. Philip really showed his strength on the long Bog Road stretch and extended his lead to enter the finish area in Piltown GAA Club over a minute ahead and take the victory in a time of 32:11.

Second place went to Noel Murphy (Waterford AC) in 33:18 just ahead of Danny Smith (Ballynonty AC) in 33:28.

Alan Treacy of Outfield Sports presenting the overall series award to Noel Murphy

The ladies' race saw Siobhan O' Doherty (Borrisokane AC) establish an early lead which she never looked like relinquishing. Siobhan came home in twelfth place overall in a time of 36:17 with Angela McCann (Clonmel AC) and Dymphna Ryan (Dundrum AC) taking second and third places respectively.

The overall series prizes for runners who had completed at least four of the five races went to Noel Murphy (Waterford AC) and Mary Molloy.

Carrick AC would like to thank all who helped in the organisation and running of this year's race. We are especially grateful for the continued generous sponsorship of Morris Oil, Fiddown over the past seven years. Thanks also to Alan Treacy, Outfield Sorts, Carrick-on-Suir for once again sponsoring the series. As always, Carrick-on-Suir Red Cross was on hand to provide medical assistance when needed and we are very grateful to Finola Walsh and her team for their invaluable help. We would also like to thank Kildalton Horticultural College and Piltown GAA Club for the use of their grounds and facilities.

Morris Oil Piltown 10k winners:
Senior Men
1. Philip Harty (West Waterford AC) 32:11 2. Noel Murphy (Waterford AC) 33:18 3. Danny Smith (Ballynonty AC) 33:28

O/40: Paul Moran (Kilkenny City Harriers) 35:27
O/45: Paul Deegan (Gowran AC) 35:05
O/50: Ray Hahessy (West Waterford AC) 38:51
O/55: Dermot Power (unatt.) 41:19
O/60: Con Kelleher (Waterford AC) 47:38
Team : Clonmel AC (Gerard O' Loughlin, Conor Morkan and Brian Long)

Senior Ladies
1. Siobhan O' Doherty (Borrisokane AC) 36:17 2. Angela McCann (Clonmel AC) 38:53 3. Dymphna Ryan (Dundrum AC) 40:47

O/35: Mary Molloy (unatt.) 43:04
O/40: Yvonne O' Connor (Clonmel AC) 45:19
O/45: Ann Dunford (West Waterford AC) 47:11
O/50: Caroline Edwards (unatt.) 47:31
O/55: Bernadette Mitchell ( unatt.) 45:46
Team : St. Joseph's AC (Sally Forristal, Breda Hennessy and Siobhan O' Leary)

Alan Treacy of Outfield Sports presenting the overall series award to Mary Molloy

Results.......The full results can be seen HERE

Photos...
1) Waterford AC have a gallery of photos HERE

Notice...Piltown 10k road race, Kilkenny - Fri 1st Aug 2014

The 5th and final race in the Outfield Sports 3 Counties Challenge takes place in Piltown, Co.Kilkenny on Friday, the 1st of August at 7:30pm.

Info from the organisers Carrick Road Runners...The fifth and final race in the 2014 OutfieldSports.ie Three Counties Challenge will take place on Friday next, August 1st, with the seventh annual running of the Morris Oil Piltown 10k in County Kilkenny. The race will start on the grounds of Kildalton Horticultural College, Piltown, at 7:30pm and takes in the scenic college grounds and some quiet country roads before finishing in Piltown GAA Club grounds. The race route is very fast and provides runners with a great opportunity to achieve a personal best time for the 10k distance. Last year's race was won by Sergiu Ciobanu (Clonliffe Harriers) in a time of 31:37 with Carrick AC's Martina O' Dwyer taking the ladies' race in 37:47.

Race entry is €10 and entries will be taken in Piltown GAA Club from 6pm. There will be prizes in all the usual categories and all runners who complete four of the five races in this year's challenge will receive a Ron Hill voucher which can be redeemed at OutfieldSports, Carrick-on-Suir. The overall series prizes of €150 for both men and women will also be presented on the night.

Parking and changing/shower facilities will be available at Piltown GAA Club and prize-giving and post-race refreshments will also be in the club's complex. For further details contact Mark (086-1608165) or Susan (087-2931430).

Course Preview...A full preview of the course with maps, directions, photos, etc can be seen HERE

Waterford notice...Rathgormack 5 mile road race - Fri 11th July 2014

The 4th race of 5 in the ongoing Outfield Sports 3 Counties Challenge is coming up next Friday, the 11th of July in Rathgormack, N Waterford. Note that the race starts at 7:30pm.

Note from the organisers...The AutoPower Rathgormack 5 mile road race will this year form the fourth and penultimate leg of the OutfieldSports.ie Three Counties Challenge. This five-race series has proved to be hugely popular with all runners this year. After very successful races in Faugheen, Portlaw and Carrick-on-Suir, the action will move to County Waterford and the picturesque village of Rathgormack on Friday, July 11th with the race starting at 7:30pm. The Course, while having 2 demanding Hills on it, also has 2 great downhill parts so times can be good. As ever it is the superb scenery that will take your breath away (and maybe the second hill!).

Entry costs €10 and registration will take place at the Hiking Centre, Rathgormack, from 6pm. Alternatively, you can register online at http://www.runireland.com/ . This race has a full AAI permit and will be the ideal preparation for the final race in the series, the Morris Oil 10k in Piltown.

There will be prizes in all of the usual categories as well as team prizes for men and ladies. Prize-giving and refreshments will be at the Hiking Centre afterwards.  For further details contact Johnny (086-8483210) or Susan (087-2931430).

Location...Rathgormack is located to the south-west of Carrick-on-Suir. It is approx 2 miles NW of the crossroads between the R676 and the R678.

Race HQ is Rathgormack Hiking Centre which is located next to the church...

Course Preview........A full preview with maps, profile, photos, etc can be seen HERE

Tipperary...Results of the Deadmans 5 mile race, Carrick-on-Suir - Fri 6th June 2014

Despite the wet conditions, a total of 149 runners turned out for this years Deadmans 5 mile road race in Carrick-on-Suir. This was the 3rd race of 5 in the ongoing Outfield Sports 3 Counties Challenge.

Deadman's 5 Winners
Senior Men : 1. Niall Sheil (St. Killian's AC) 26:41 2. Noel Murphy (Waterford AC) 26:47 3. Alban Coghlan (Crusaders AC) 26:50
O/40 : David Ryan (Clonmel AC) 27:03
O/45 : Pat O' Sullivan (Carrick AC) 28:21
O/50 : Derek Nolan (Clonmel AC) 29:30
O/55 : Tom Moroney (West Waterford AC) 33:36
O/60 : Joe Gough (West Waterford AC) 30:37
Team :West Waterford AC ( Brian Byrne, Damien Murphy and PJ Guinan)
Senior Ladies: 1. Martina O' Dwyer (Carrick AC) 29:53 2. Angela McCann (Clonmel AC) 31:55 3. Mary Molloy 33:27
O/35 : Lisa Maher (Kilkenny City Harriers) 35:06
O/40 : Diane Behan (Waterford AC) 36:10
O/45 : Irene Clarke (West Waterford AC) 35:01
O/50 : Ann Power 38:05
O/55 : Assumpta Kirwan 43:01
Junior : Becky O' Connor 56:46
Team : Clonmel AC ( Anna Byrne, Rebecca Doocey and Yvonne O' Connor)
The full results can be seen HERE 

Report from Carrick Road Runners...
The heavy rain did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm of the 149 runners who lined up for the 'Deadman's 5' mile race in Carrick-on-Suir on Friday evening last. This was the third race in the very popular OutfieldSports.ie Three Counties Challenge organised by Carrick AC. The race started at the historic Ormonde Castle, passing along the town's Main Street and through Sean Kelly Square before heading out into the country.

As the runners came back into town, there was a very little between the leading men and only nine seconds separated the first three home at the finish line. Niall Sheil from St. Killian's AC, who has been a regular participant in the series,emerged victorious with a winning time of 26:41. Just behind Niall in second place was Noel Murphy (Waterford AC) who clocked 26:47 and in third place was Carrick-on-Suir native and Crusaders AC athlete, Alban Coghlan. Carrick AC's first finisher was Pat O' Sullivan who finished in seventh position winning the O/45 prize. 

he ladies' race saw Carrick AC's Martina O' Dwyer continue her excellent run of recent results with another victory. Martina came home in a time of 29:53 with Angela McCann (Clonmel AC) in second and Mary Molloy in third place.

Carrick AC would like to thank all who made this race such a great success. In particular, the club is very grateful to Alan Treacy of Outfield Sports for the continued sponsorship of this five-race series.
Stewarding is vitally important in a race which passes through the town and we would like to thank Barry Torpey and his team of stewards for ensuring the safety of all. The assistance of the local Garda Siochana and Carrick-on-Suir Red Cross was also greatly appreciated. A big thank-you also to all who helped with race registration, timing and results. The Carrick Swan GAA club was once again our race headquarters and we would like to thank the club for the use of their superb facilities.
 
The Three Counties Challenge moves to County Waterford for the fourth instalment in this year's series. The AutoPower Rathgormack 5-mile race will take place on Friday, 11th July at 7:30pm. Last year's race was won by Sergiu Ciobanu (Clonliffe Harriers) in 24:57 with Angela McCann (Clonmel AC) taking the ladies' race in 31:17.

Alan Treacy of Outfield Sports presenting the winners prizes to Niall Sheil and Martina O'Dwyer

Race for bragging rights

Photos...
1) John Coleman has a gallery HERE (Facebook account required to view)
2) A small number of photos from John Murphy Photography HERE

Photos courtesy of John Murphy Photography

Tipperary...Notice for the Deadmans 5 mile road race, Carrick on Suir - Fri 6th June 2014

The third race of five in the Three Counties Challenge is coming up on Friday, the 6th of June with the Deadman's 5 mile in Carrick-on-Suir in S.Tipperary.

From the organisers......The Outfieldsports.ie 3 Counties Challenge moves back to County Tipperary for Race 3 in the series, the Carraig Hotel "Deadman's 5" mile road race on Friday 6th June @ 7:30 sharp. This race, now in it's 9th year, starts at the picturesque Ormonde Castle in Carrick on Suir, and goes through the center of the town before taking in a loop of the famous Deadman's Boreen, finishing on a lovely long straight stretch at the back of the Town Park , 5 Miles in total. It is mostly flat, with a short drag in the middle, but mile 4 on is slightly downhill, so a good time is possible.

 
More details from the organisers.......
Registration takes place at the Carrick Swan GAA Hall (behind the Garda Barracks) from 6:00 p.m. Please note the race must start on time at 7:30 as part of the route goes over a railway crossing, so Registration will close at 7:10. Entry fee is €10.00

There will be changing and shower facilities after the race in the Club Hall, and also after race refreshments will be in the hall this year.

Course Map...

 The 5 mile course starts and finishes in the town and takes in a loop to the north.

Closer look at the town section...

Preview.....A full preview of the course with photos can be seen HERE

Tipperary...Results of the Faugheen 5k road race - Fri 25th Apr 2014

A total of 167 turned out for this years Faugheen 5k road race. As expected, the flat course lived up to expectations with the first 3 men breaking 16 minutes and the first 3 women breaking 18.

1 CIOBANU    SERGIU 15:02    4:51/M    Senior Men
2 SHEIL    NIALL 15:35    5:02/M    Senior Men
3 MALONEY    STUART 15:55 5:08/M    Senior Men

First 3 men...2nd - Niall Sheil (12) of St.Killians AC, 1st - Sergiu Ciobanu (87) of Clonliffe Harriers AC and 3rd - Stuart Maloney (191) of Mooreabbey Milers AC

17 O'DOHERTY    SIOBHAN 17:11 5:33/M    Senior Ladies
27 ANNAN    CLAIRE 17:55 5:47/M    Senior Ladies
29 MCCARTHY    MARIA 17:58 5:48/M    Ladies Over 35

First 3 women...3rd - Maria McCarthy of Farranfore-Maine Valley AC, 1st - Siobhan O'Doherty of Borrisokane AC and 2nd - Claire Annan of Carrick-on-Suir AC

The full results can be seen HERE

Report from the oganisers...Carrick Road Runners AC...
The 2014 OutfieldSports.ie Three Counties Challenge got off to the perfect start on Friday evening last in the beautiful village of Faugheen when 168 runners lined up for the second annual Bobby Fitzgerald Accounting 5k road race. This series, now in its eighth year, takes in races over distances from 5k to 10k in the three neighbouring counties of Tipperary, Waterford and Kilkenny. The forecast heavy rain held off for the race and runners made the most of the perfect conditions on a very flat, fast course with many personal best times being set.

As the field entered the village for the first time after about 1.5 km, Sergiu Ciobanu (Clonliffe Harriers) and Niall Sheil (St. Killians) had already moved to the front and the Clonliffe athlete pulled clear over the second half of the race for a clear-cut victory. Sergiu's winning time of 15:02 was a new course record, eclipsing the 15:17 set by Sandis Bralitis in last year's inaugural Faugheen 5k. Niall Sheil ran very well to take second place in 15:35 and Stuart Maloney (Moore Abbey Milers) took third prize in 15:55. Carrick AC's first finisher was Pat O' Sullivan whose fifteenth place finish in 17:04 earned him first prize in the O/45 category.

Receiving the Gerry Moran Cup for wining the Faugheen 5 km is Sergiu Cibanou (Clonliff Harriers) from race sponsor Sinead Dunne (Booby Fitzgerald Acounting) and Series Sponsor Alan Treacy ( Outfield Sports.ie)

The ladies' race was won in emphatic fashion by Siobhan O' Doherty (Borrisokane) in a time of 17:10 which was also a new course record. Siobhan led from the early stages of the race and never looked like relinquishing her lead at any stage. There was a great battle for second place with Carrick AC's Claire Annan (17:55) getting the better of a sprint finish with Maria McCarthy (Farranfore Maine Valley). Last year's winner, Martina O' Dwyer (Carrick AC) finished right on their heels in fourth place.

Carrick AC would like to thank all who helped to make the race such a resounding success. We are particularly grateful to Bobby Fitzgerald for the generous race sponsorship by Fitzgerald Accounting, Carrick-on-Suir. The club would also like to thank Alan Treacy of Outfield Sports, Carrick-on-Suir, for the continued sponsorship of the overall series for the past eight years.

Receiving a Ron Hill T-shirt for winning the O-60 Catagory in the Faugheen 5KM  is recent World Vets Champion Joe Gough (West Waterford AC) from race sponsor Sinead Dunne (Booby Fitzgerald Acounting)

Our friends in Carrick-on-Suir Red Cross were once again on hand to provide the vital medical and ambulance services for the race and we are very grateful to Finola Walsh and the team for their assistance. Kevin O' Dee and his team of stewards ensured the safety of all over the race route and we are also very grateful to the Bartley family for providing parking facilities for the event.
Thanks to the many volunteers who helped with parking, registration and results. The post-race refreshments and prize-giving in Flemings Bar were greatly enjoyed by all and thanks to Margaret Fleming for looking after everybody so well and to Elaine Walsh for providing the wonderful food.
The second race in this year's series will be the O' Neill Pharmacy Tom Jordan Memorial 5-mile race in Portlaw, Co. Waterford on Friday, 9th May at 7:30pm.

Faugheen 5k winners:
Senior Men ; 1. Sergiu Ciobanu (Clonliffe Harriers) 15:02 2. Niall Sheil (St. Killians) 15:35 3. Stuart Maloney (Moore Abbey Milers) 15:55
O/40 : David Ryan (Clonmel AC) 16:02
O/45: Pat O' Sullivan (Carrick AC) 17:04
O/50 : Derek Nolan (Clonmel AC) 17:52
O/55 : Jim St John (Clonmel AC) 20:26
O/60 : Joe Gough ( West Waterford AC) 17:57
Junior : Simon Dennonnain 17:46
Senior Ladies :
1. Siobhan O' Doherty (Borrisokane) 17:10 2. Claire Annan (Carrick AC) 17:53 3. Maria McCarthy (Farranfore Maine Valley) 17:56
O/35 : Martina O' Dwyer (Carrick AC) 17:59
O/40 : Suzanne Dallaghan (Waterford AC) 19:36
O/45 : Onra Power (West Waterford AC) 24:28
O/50 : Maura O' Neill (Carrick AC) 23:07
O/55 : Assumpta Kirwan 25:02
Junior : Leanne O' Hara 25:39

Jody Condon (106) and Martin Kiely (184) of Waterford AC with Mark Cliffe (136) of West Waterford AC

Photos...
1) There is a small gallery of photos from the orgnisers HERE

Tipperary notice...Faugheen 5k road race - Fri 25th Apr 2014

The Eight Annual 3 Counties Challenge gets underway on Friday, the 25th of April with the Faugheen 5k road race...a nice flat and fast 5k course in a rural setting.

Directions.......Faugheen is a very small village located to the North of the town of Carrick-on-Suir in S.Tipperary. It is located less than a mile off the R697 road which goes from Carrick-on-Suir to Kilkenny.

If you arrive in Carrick-on-Suir then follow the N24 road. In the centre of the town at the Garda station, take the R697 north. This will be signposted for Kilmaganny.

Keep the park on your right hand side. You then need to take the left at this junction below. Again, it's signposted for Kilmaganny.

From the junction above, it's 3.3 miles / 5.3 kms to the tun off for Faugheen. Look for the left hand turn which is on a wide sweeping bend to the right...

From here, it's about 1 km to Faugheen. Follow the directions for parking.

Entries on the night will be taken at the parish hall which is located next to the church...

Course....The race route is in the shape of a triangle. This is the same route as used by the famous Faugheen 50 Motor bike circuit...

As you can see from the map above, it's basically 1.5 loops of a circuit which is just over two miles in length. The start line is located about 0.9 miles from the village itself, ideal as part of the warm up for the race itself.

A full preview of the course with directions and photos can be seen HERE

Post race refreshments and prize giving at Flemings Pub...

More info from the organisers Carrick Road Runners AC...Carrick on Suir A.C.’s Outfieldsports.ie 3 Counties Challenge has firmly established itself in the South East running calendar since its inception in 2007, with the series growing from a single race with 100 runners to last year’s successful 5 race series with close on a thousand participants. One of the keys to their success has been the mix of good organisation, friendly atmosphere and good after race banter and grub - as well as really good road running courses!

So Friday 25th April will see the second running of the Faugheen 5Km Road race, kindly sponsored by Bobby Fitzgerald Accountants. This flat course will be held on the famous Faugheen 50 Motor bike circuit in the pretty Tipperary village, and  is quickly become a runner’s favourite due to its flat, fast course .

Race start is 7:30 p.m. and registration will start from 6pm . However, you can avoid the queues by entering on line HERE (link to follow) . Entry fee is €10.00, but you can enter the 5 Race Series online for €40.00, saving yourself 20% on the series. Online Entry closes Thursday 24th April