The Battle of Clontarf certainly lived up to its name with a great tussle between local athlete Mick Clohisey of Raheny Shamrock A.C. and Arnaud De Lus Trac of the Kebab League. This battle was ignited right from the start and carried right through to the finish. Both athletes exchanged blows of playing tactical mind games throughout the race. The lead changed on many occasions. For spectators this was great viewing for Easter Monday as they were able to view this titanic battle in St. Anne's Park from many viewing points over the 2.5 lapped course. There was always anticipation of who would be leading each time the 2 athletes came into view.
Arnaud who was on a short break to Ireland was an unknown quantity to race goers and officalls. No one knew what his potential was and he gave Mick a lot to think about. This brought the best out of our National Marathon and 10k champion. In the final showdown Mick appeared from the Rose garden and stormed down the home straight in front of the very excited crowd. The extra support helped Mick to a great victory as he became the 2022 Leinster 10 Mile Mens' Champion and the Battle of Clontarf 10 Mile Champion. Mick Recorded a time of 50:43 on a tricky course. Arnaud was 2nd with a great fighting performance from Mick Fogarty in 3rd.
After the epic battle we had more to come with another 300 plus runners all fighting for Leinster medals and team awards. The women's race was by Catherine O'Connor of Sli Cualainn who was also crowned Women's Leinster 10 Mile Champion for 2022. Catherine was looking very strong throughout the race and was followed by her fellow team mate Sarah Baryga in 2nd. In 3rd place was Karen Alexander.
The Men's Senior team winners were Raheny Shamrock AC and they were also the Women's Senior. Crusaders AC were the women's over 35 team winners along with Brothers Pearse AC winning the mens over 35 team.
It was a very successful day for Raheny as they also won the men's over 50 team. Lucan Harriers were the women's over 50 team winners.
This was a great event in St. Annes Park and thank you to everyone involved, Raheny Shamrock AC, St. Anne's Park, Athletics Leinster, participating clubs and most of all the participants who contributed to this fabulous day of racing.
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