Leevale women lead the way in road relays

Leevale AC retained their women’s title at the Glohealth National Road Relays, in Dublin, yesterday, while hosts, Raheny, won the men’s race.

Thirty-three clubs and 80 teams competed. Carol Finn got Leevale’s ladies off to a good start, with a 5:11 opening-mile leg, handing over to Lizzie Lee, who extended their advantage with a 10:53 two-mile leg. Next up was Michelle Finn, who took Leevale to victory with a 5:01 leg, giving them a 31-second margin over Crusaders, who edged Sli Cualann for second.

In the men’s race, a record-breaking three-mile leg, from Raheny’s Mick Clohisey, of 14:04, proved pivotal in helping them to gold for the first time in five years, with Mark Kirwan, Kieran Kelly, and Daire Bermingham also playing their parts. Raheny came home 18 seconds clear of Ennis Track, with Kilkenny City Harriers in third.