London calling for Ballycotton winner Ciobanu

MOLDOVAN Sergiu Ciobanu yesterday produced a personal best of 49 minutes 37 seconds to win the Ballycotton 10 mile road race in East Cork.

Ciobanu (Clonliffe Harriers) ran a perfect race and made his winning move after seven miles when he caught and passed leader Alan O’Shea (Bantry AC).

O’Shea had set a fast pace from the gun, leading a small group of runners -Ciobanu, Sean Hehir (Rafhfarnam/WSAF), Sean Mcgrath (East Cork) and Michael Clohisey (Raheny Shamrock AC) through a first mile in 4:35.

By five miles, reached in 24:14, O’Shea had established a seven second lead on Ciobanu but the Clonliffe runner remained comfortable in second. O’Shea ran a 5:01 between miles 6 and 7 but it was not good enough to hold off the challenge of the 29-year-old who came storming through to take a lead he never relinquished.

Ciobanu said: “I’m delighted to win this great event and I am especially pleased to have set a personal best for the distance. It was only when I caught Alan O’Shea at seven miles that I began to feel confident. It is great to join legends like Jerry Kiernan and Noel Berkeley in winning this event. This is a real big achievement for me.”

Ciobanu, who works in a meat processing factory in Cahir will next chase an Olympic marathon qualifying standard in Dublin in October. He revealed a desire to represent Ireland at the London Games next year, but he is unlikely to have his citizenship papers in order in time.

He said: “I would love to represent Ireland in the Olympics if I am lucky enough to qualify. If I qualify and do not have Irish citizenship, then I will compete for my native country.”

Alan O’Shea, finished second in 50:00 and Sean Hehir placed third in 50:59. Mick Clohisey was fourth in 51:32 with James McCarthy of East Cork AC was fifth in 51:56.

Lizzie Lee (Leevale AC) claimed the women’s title in 58:48 ahead of Angela McGann (Clonmel AC), 59:19 and Catherine Dowling, 59:25. Lee, coached by former Irish Olympian, Donie Walsh, set a pb time for her first Ballycotton victory. Lee will also compete in the SPAR Great Ireland Run in April-an event that also incorporates the Athletics Ireland National 10km Championships.

Meanwhile, at the Cara Bundoran Run 10 Mile event in Donegal, Derry runner Patrick Hamilton led home an entry of over 500 in 50:18. Patrick Brennan of Tirchonaill AC placed second in 52:58 and Paul Buckley from Offaly was third in 54:14. Breege Connolly from Belfast won the women’s race in 59:23 from Fiona Stack, 64:26 and Roseanne Mitchell, 67:40.