Clonard GAA hosted the community's first ever road race in the village on Wednesday evening last. The popularity of the event was enormous with over 400 participants, 220 of which were chip-timed runners and almost 200 joggers and walkers.

Local runner Peter Mooney was instrumental in the organisation of the event and his knowledge of the road racing fraternity encouraged runners from both near and far to participate. Event management company 'PopUp Races' from Kildare were also pivotal to the overall professionalism of the event with their equipment and music adding to the wonderful atmosphere around Clonard GAA's new home in St. Finian's Park.

Queues formed from 6 o'clock as it looked like the race start would be delayed but with many able volunteers everyone was accommodated and the race started bang on schedule at 7.30 pm.

First home was Laois man Colin Maher in an amazing time of 19 minutes 46 seconds. The first local man home was Peter Mooney in 5th place with a time of 21 minutes 44 seconds. The first female across the line was Sinead Whitelaw from Mullingar with a superb time of 23 minutes 46 seconds.

Finishers received a beautiful commemorative medal after crossing the finishing line, although some will have to wait a week to receive theirs, such was the huge turnout on the night that medals ran out after the first 300 finishers. 

Clonard hospitality was once again at show after the race with GAA volunteers providing and serving tea/coffee, sandwiches, and cakes to all the well deserving participants.

Clonard GAA would like to thank everyone involved in organising and participating in the event which will surely be an annual event going forward. Thank you to Clonard Community Council, Clonard Vintage & Heritage Club, and Killyon Community Council for all your cooperation and use of your equipment. 

Thanks to An Garda Siochana, your attendance was crucial to the safe running of the event and your encouragement to the small children in their Clonard Óg jerseys was a class touch. Thank you Garda Eoin Reddin, Garda Donald Flanney, and Sergeant Brian Stones.

Thanks to our committee members and volunteers, from those who helped with traffic management to those who served and provided tea, coffee, sandwiches and buns, thank you whole heartedly, you are the life and soul of the club and community. Thanks to 'Popup Races' and Brian Clarke, your contribution to the atmosphere at the start and finish lines and overall organisation of the race was superb, a truly well run outfit, thank you.

To all the local businesses who donated vouchers and provided equipment free of charge. Monastery Inn, Highway Markings, Crunch, Moyvalley Hotel, Gildea's Chemist. Thank you once again for your support.

To Peter Mooney, your knowledge of the racing community and your dedication to the organisation of this race was remarkable. 

Finally, thank you to all the participants who travelled from near and far to make this event the success that it was. We got the feeling you all enjoyed the evening, and we genuinely hope to see you back in our company again. Thank you all.

To those walkers who didn't receive a medal, they have been ordered and we have your names. 300 medals were ordered but such was the unbelievable turnout it left some of you disappointed, but we will get you your medal, gauranteed, and thank you for your patience and understanding.

To view a selection of photos from the event you can click on the following link: Selection of Photos