Irish Mountain
Running Association

Aughavannagh

AuthorDateMessage
Mick HanneyMar 13 2023, 6:16pmFor some reason when you Click on History, it doesn't give all the results that are available on the system.

From what I can see this race was ran 4 times before:-
2000
2001
2007
2013
There may be previous events not on the system.

While we are just over a month away from this race, if you plan to run it, you would be advised to get a recce in and be prepared for a long stint in the hills going by previous results.
Mick HanneyMar 13 2023, 6:19pmJust spotted there is 5 previous results in Archive too, so the race appears to have a long history.
Mick HanneyMar 19 2023, 7:09pmPrevious Race men's winners and times (if available):-
1983 Wally Young
1986 Gerry McGrath
1987 Peter Gargan
1988 Brian Bell (see below: *)
2000 John Lenehan 01:52:33 Fastest time (M)
2001 Simon Fairmaner 02:01:16
2007 Eoin Keith 01:59:50
2013 Brian Furey 02:16:01

Previous women's winners
1987 Caitlin Bent
1988 Majella Diskin 02:24:21 * Overall Winner. Fastest time (W)
2000 Shilleen Donnelly 02:38:34
2001 Joan Flanagan 02:31:37
2007 Moire O'Sullivan 02:47:15
2013 Donna McLoughlin 03:10:15

Previous race reports - well worth a read:-
2000 https://www.imra.ie/events/report/id/183/#320
2001 https://www.imra.ie/events/report/id/152/#293
2007 https://www.imra.ie/events/report/id/407/#491
2013 https://www.imra.ie/events/report/id/1033/#1050

Lots of forestry cleared at Drumgoff Recreational area. So navigation to wards military road entrance to Fananerin ridge is more straightforward perhaps than previously.
Mick HanneyMar 19 2023, 7:39pmPlease note.
Parking & Registration will be at the Finish: Drumgoff Gap GR 087877
From here its a c.3k jog downhill to the start, or we can car ferry runners to race start. at Aughavanagh.
Mick HanneyMar 20 2023, 6:34pmEvent details tidied up.
Mandatory kit confirmed.
Recommended map added. East West Mapping Lugnaquilla & Glendalough
Mick HanneyMar 26 2023, 9:31pmWe are a few weeks out from the first of this year's LC races. Time left for people to get a recce of some or all the route.

If someone can step forward for the first-aid position that would be great.

I intend doing this old-school, no laptop expected.

I'll need some helpers for pre-race, to double up as potential drivers to drop runners to the start line, which is 4.2k down the road from the finish at Drumgoff gap. The road-crossing towards Fananerin will be marshalled. The other points for runners to hit may not be marshalled on the day.
Clare KeeleyMar 26 2023, 9:43pmPopped myself in for First Aid Mick.
Mick HanneyMar 26 2023, 10:10pmThanks Clare
Imogen McGuinnessMar 28 2023, 12:04pmAnyone fancy doing a recce of this?
Andrew HanneyMar 28 2023, 3:16pmWas thinking to go over it this Sat at 9…
Joseph BoyleMar 28 2023, 4:04pmI can't do this weekend, but the following Saturday or Sunday if anyone's interested. Mick, is the route the same as the one Rene has on Plotaroute?
Steven PettigrewMar 28 2023, 4:39pm@Joseph Boyle - that's the very one. Here's the link for anyone interested.

https://www.plotaroute.com/route/570652
Imogen McGuinnessMar 28 2023, 5:43pmSat's are out for me.
Joe next Sunday the 9th would be good. What time would suit you?
Paul FlynnMar 28 2023, 5:45pmLooking at that, it seems the fastest route from the road crossing to Croaghanmoira could be to stay on the road rather than go up onto the ridge. Is there any reason that wouldn't be allowed?
Derek HayMar 28 2023, 6:47pmI might join you both on the Sunday I'll know for sure tomorrow @ Imogen & Jody... anytime suits me.
Mick HanneyMar 28 2023, 7:03pm@Paul - The idea is you pass through the Checkpoint on the military road whcih leads onto Fananerin ridge.

To check into the CP and then keep running up the road wouldn't be in the spirit of the race (its a mountain race after all - :-) The idea is to ascend the ridge at some point, perhaps the sooner the better as there is a runnable trail there, should the legs still be working.

Great to see people planning reccies. A reccie of the stretch along Fananerin will be a bonus as the same ridge is used for the LC Drumgoff race.
Joseph BoyleMar 28 2023, 10:23pmImogen and Derek, 09:00 on the 9th if that suits.
Imogen McGuinnessMar 28 2023, 11:45pmHi Joe. That sounds great. See you then.
Mick HanneyMar 29 2023, 7:59amFor anyone doing reccies. Plenty of parking at Drumgoff gap - where race registration and finish will happen. Suggest reccies meet there and only take a single car to start.
Parking is very limited at Aiughavannagh bridge where race will start. If parking, keep barrier clear and please avoid parking outside local properties. Thanks.
Mick HanneyMar 29 2023, 1:49pmJust to clarify: Leinster Champs races, as a rule are not marked and runners would be expected to be able to find their way from a published route. No electronic navigational assistance may be used for championship races. You may record the route on a device for post race analysis, but you may not use it for in-race navigation.
Jarlath HynesMar 29 2023, 7:26pmAndy, I'd be interested in joining you on Saturday if you're going.

EASY pace... :)
Linda RowdenMar 29 2023, 8:20pmA couple of us are heading out on Monday morning for a recce if anyone wants to join...a very easy pace :)
Andrew HanneyMar 29 2023, 11:29pmJarlath… don’t worry it will be more sightseeing than running!
Andrew HanneyMar 30 2023, 11:30amJarlath the forecast has changed for the worse for Sat. Will review it again tomorrow and confirm if going ahead.
Jarlath HynesMar 30 2023, 12:49pmThanks Andy
Oh ate 7 six ate 1 2270 just in case
Derek HayMar 30 2023, 6:38pmSpot on Jody, see you then.
David FaganMar 30 2023, 6:51pmMick
I’d like to volunteer for this race and join recce on the 9th
Mick HanneyMar 30 2023, 7:53pmThanks David. Add your name to the volunteer list. Enjoy the recce.
Mick HanneyApr 3 2023, 11:57amEntries can be purchased starting 11th April.
Richard FoxApr 5 2023, 10:50amHello Jody. Just wondering if there would be room on your recce for me? I’ve done it a few weeks ago but would like another looksee. I might just do it to the Drumgoff Recreation Area (which is below the finish at Drumgoff Gap) as I’ve done the Fananerrin/Croaghanmoira bit a couple of times. So if I could leave my car at the Drumgoff Recreation Area perhaps someone could pick me up on their way by? What time would suit? As previously mentioned by Mick the parking at Aughavanagh Bridge is very limited. Cheers foxy
Joseph BoyleApr 6 2023, 10:53amFoxy, no problem at all. I think we should take this off the forum, so anyone wishing to go, could you send me your number and name, so I can setup a WhatsApp group. Contact is o ate 6 ate o 9 for to 83.
Mick HanneyApr 6 2023, 1:37pmProspective entrants, please ensure you have the mandatory kit when you arrive for race registration where we will do a kit check.
If you arrive without the likes of a map or compass this can prevent you being in the race. So, with over a week to go you have time to get organised.
Mick HanneyApr 8 2023, 1:17pmThe section of the route between Corrigasleggaun, through Carrawaystick and towards Drumgoff Rec is very boggy. Bring grippy runners!
Mick HanneyApr 8 2023, 6:27pmThanks to Michael Dowling for suggesting that runners can carpool from the Glenmalure lodge to race registration. It should help reduce the numbers of cars we need to accommodate. We do have a barrier key to get cars in off the road at the Drumgoff gap, otherwise parking would have been tight.
Mick HanneyApr 8 2023, 7:09pmHi,

If you intend running next week, entries open in a few days - and entries are online only. Please read the event details, as I have updated some information, including adding information on an Early Start.

Regards,

Mick
Mick HanneyApr 8 2023, 9:56pmEarly start:
-
-

Please add your name if you are intending to avail of the early start in this race. This will help us get organised a bit better given the car logistics involved. Thanks.
Mick HanneyApr 9 2023, 11:38amEarly start:(add name)
- Joe Lalor
- Linda Rowden
-
-

Please add your name if you are intending to avail of the early start in this race.
Typically early start is for runners who are > 160% of winners time in a race.
Ellen HURLEYApr 9 2023, 5:24pmEarly start:(add name)
- Joe Lalor
- Linda Rowden
-Ellen Hurley (should be ok for a lift down to start)
-

Please add your name if you are intending to avail of the early start in this race.
Typically early start is for runners who are > 160% of winners time in a race.
Mick HanneyApr 9 2023, 8:00pmHi Ellen, we should have no problem ferrying people down to the start.
Mick HanneyApr 10 2023, 8:19amHere is the full list of races for the Leinster Champs, which starts with Aughavannagh. Nice to get the hardest one of the way first :-)

Best 3 races to score

DATE VENUE/EVENT CLIMB DISTANCE. DIFFCULTY.
Sun Apr 16 Aughavannagh 1095m 22.60km 10
Sun May 28 Drumgoff 650m 14.50km 8
Sun Jun 4 Fraughen Rock Glen 770m 10.10km 9
Sun Aug 6 Dargle Four Peaks 800m 15.00km 8
Sat Sep 2 Carlingford - Fox's Rock 800m 16.00km 9
liam kennyApr 10 2023, 10:53amAny one getting out for recce of route today
Mick HanneyApr 11 2023, 9:27amEntries open
Maike JürgensApr 11 2023, 10:31amEarly start:(add name)
- Joe Lalor
- Linda Rowden
-Ellen Hurley (should be ok for a lift down to start)
- Maike Jurgens (most likely)

Please add your name if you are intending to avail of the early start in this race.
Typically early start is for runners who are > 160% of winners time in a race.
Mick HanneyApr 11 2023, 12:25pmGreat to see the early enthusiastic entries.

Entries close 6pm Friday. This is online entry only, so fair warning to get your entry in if interested.
Niall CorriganApr 11 2023, 1:35pmHi Mick

Before my visit to the area this morning, I was unaware that there was a permitted access route up on to the Fananerrin Ridge and that the hillside is being managed by the landowner as part of a Grouse project. So my vague plan to gain the ridge diagonally is out the window and I will be following the tourist route up to the saddle at T109889. Given the recent unpleasantness in the locality and the justifiable revoking of an established access route, should this route choice be mandatory? Maybe the saddle could be included as a control point?

Regards

Niall
Mick HanneyApr 11 2023, 2:05pmThat’s a good point Niall.
I’ll confirm later.
The route via the saddle while longer has better running arguably anyway.
Richard FoxApr 11 2023, 2:42pmEarly start:(add name)
- Joe Lalor
- Linda Rowden
-Ellen Hurley (should be ok for a lift down to start)
- Maike Jurgens (most likely)
- foxy (Richard Fox)

Please add your name if you are intending to avail of the early start in this race.
Typically early start is for runners who are > 160% of winners time in a race.
Mick HanneyApr 11 2023, 4:21pmNB: New mandatory Checkpoint.

I’ll update event details later to match.
After the military road checkpoint runners must visit saddle between Fananerin summit and the ridge.
T 108 887. This keeps runners away from the open mountain where birdlife nest.
There is a single track marked on map right of the fence to saddle but left of fence has perhaps better running.
Thanks.
Paul FlynnApr 11 2023, 4:32pmAlso rules out my sneaky plan to run back up the road. Thanks.
Warren SwordsApr 11 2023, 4:56pmHa. I was also looking at running up the road following last weekend's reccee.

Switching into a pair of vaporflys for last section.
Paul FlynnApr 11 2023, 5:06pm@Warren I think that's exactly what Jack Kuenzle did for the final road section when he broke the Bob Graham record.
Mick HanneyApr 11 2023, 7:25pm@Warren - this is a magic shoe free event.
Mick HanneyApr 12 2023, 2:43pmHi, with entries ticking only nicely I’d remind anyone interested in early start to add their name to the early-start list, as that helps us prepare. Thanks.
Michael DowlingApr 12 2023, 7:25pm@warren, I was up there yesterday on fananerin ridge and I think the vaporflys would work a treat up there.. ;)...
To everyone else... it's very wet and currently Lug has snow on it!
Bring on the weekend!
Joseph BoyleApr 13 2023, 8:51amEarly start:(add name)
- Joe Lalor
- Linda Rowden
-Ellen Hurley (should be ok for a lift down to start)
- Maike Jurgens (most likely)
- foxy (Richard Fox)
- Joe Boyle (55)

Please add your name if you are intending to avail of the early start in this race.
Typically early start is for runners who are > 160% of winners time in a race.
Mick HanneyApr 13 2023, 1:13pmThe sun is shining after yesterday so hopefully that is an omen for Sunday. We have hardy 30 entrants so far. I'll email volunteers and entrants (so far) tomorrow evening with some instructions and reminders. Still time to get your entry in.
David FaganApr 13 2023, 1:40pmMick re helping on Sunday
My no 0872605969 David
Niamh O'CeallaighApr 13 2023, 6:41pmEarly start:(add name)
- Joe Lalor
- Linda Rowden
-Ellen Hurley (should be ok for a lift down to start)
- Maike Jurgens (most likely)
- foxy (Richard Fox)
- Joe Boyle (55)
- Niamh O Ceallaigh

Please add your name if you are intending to avail of the early start in this race.
Typically early start is for runners who are > 160% of winners time in a race
Mick HanneyApr 13 2023, 7:07pmHi,

Would appreciate 1 more volunteer - a running volunteer from the main start who can be there earlier would be fine.

I was down Aughavannagh way an hour ago and Lug is snow covered.

Thanks.

Mick
Oisin CawleyApr 13 2023, 8:09pmToday I did Aghavannagh-Lugg-Corrigasleggaun and followed the ridge down into the Coilte forest (Drumgoff?) and then looped around to Aghavannagh. I can't remember exactly where but somewhere just after Corrigasleggaun there is a big sign saying no access due to owner being assaulted, go back. Not sure what bit of the mountain it is referring to but it is right on the trail.
BTW the mountains are covered in snow, ice, muck and lots of running water. Very slow going.
Mick HanneyApr 13 2023, 8:56pmI believe that sign is where the trail splits for Glenmalure . The way to Drumgoff rec should be ok. One of our locals might confirm.
Richard FoxApr 13 2023, 10:11pmComing from the trig point there is a sign warning about the closure of the “zig zags” for the reason as stated. The sign is, I understand, well before Lough Mountain /Corrigasleggaun (perhaps by about 900 meters) ? I’m unaware of any such warning sign after Lough Mt
Cheers
foxy
Mick HanneyApr 13 2023, 10:16pmThanks for clarifying Foxy.

Cold day to be recceing! Mind you at least the bog was probably partially frozen.
Paul FlynnApr 14 2023, 6:56amI'm pretty sure the sign being referred to is at T045919, right where the trail splits.
Mick HanneyApr 14 2023, 8:31amRunners - please bring your Mug for after the race. We should have tea/coffees etc. So if you want a warm drink bring your mug.
Niall CorriganApr 14 2023, 9:35amEarly start:(add name)
- Joe Lalor
- Linda Rowden
-Ellen Hurley (should be ok for a lift down to start)
- Maike Jurgens (most likely)
- foxy (Richard Fox)
- Joe Boyle (55)
- Niamh O Ceallaigh
- Niall Corrigan

Please add your name if you are intending to avail of the early start in this race.
Typically early start is for runners who are > 160% of winners time in a race
James HigginsApr 14 2023, 11:01amMick, I have put my name down to volunteer. Happy to ferry to start etc.
Mick HanneyApr 14 2023, 11:33amThanks James.

I'll send an email to volunteers and entrants later on.
Sean CollierApr 14 2023, 2:33pmHi can I add my name here to the early start list?
Thanks
Andrew HanneyApr 14 2023, 3:06pmEarly start:(add name)
- Joe Lalor
- Linda Rowden
-Ellen Hurley (should be ok for a lift down to start)
- Maike Jurgens (most likely)
- foxy (Richard Fox)
- Joe Boyle (55)
- Niamh O Ceallaigh
- Niall Corrigan
- Sean Collier
- Andrew Hanney

Please add your name if you are intending to avail of the early start in this race.
Typically early start is for runners who are > 160% of winners time in a race
Andrew HanneyApr 14 2023, 4:36pmTook advantage of good weather to ramble around the Ow valley today. Once off the fireroad, running is very limited, so people may want to factor in being out a bit longer. The ground is very boggy. Above 700m there is patches of snow and Lug itself is frozen above 800m. Maybe not by Sunday with the fine weather. Fingers crossed for a day like today! Was very glad to have new Mudclaws for grip.
Maike JürgensApr 14 2023, 7:01pmadded car to carpool, 1 seat, trying to reduce cars at the start
Mick HanneyApr 14 2023, 7:48pmHi,

I sent an email to entrants (so far). I got a couple of bounce-backs on email addresses. If you entered and haven't received an email
from me, please email me at hanneymick at gmail dot com. Also, please update your IMRA details with a valid email address.

Thanks.

Mick
Tim MurphyApr 15 2023, 8:56amEarly start:(add name)
- Joe Lalor
- Linda Rowden
-Ellen Hurley (should be ok for a lift down to start)
- Maike Jurgens (most likely)
- foxy (Richard Fox)
- Joe Boyle (55)
- Niamh O Ceallaigh
- Niall Corrigan
- Sean Collier
- Andrew Hanney
- Tim Murphy

Please add your name if you are intending to avail of the early start in this race.
Typically early start is for runners who are > 160% of winners time in a race
Paul JoyceApr 15 2023, 9:45amEarly start:(add name)
- Joe Lalor
- Linda Rowden
-Ellen Hurley (should be ok for a lift down to start)
- Maike Jurgens (most likely)
- foxy (Richard Fox)
- Joe Boyle (55)
- Niamh O Ceallaigh
- Niall Corrigan
- Sean Collier
- Andrew Hanney
- Tim Murphy
- Paul Joyce

Please add your name if you are intending to avail of the early start in this race.
Typically early start is for runners who are > 160% of winners time in a race
Mick HanneyApr 15 2023, 1:21pmEmails sent to new entrants.
Mick HanneyApr 15 2023, 1:49pmPhoto added showing the notice on entry to Ballinacor / Fananerin. Please follow the guidance.
Mick HanneyApr 15 2023, 4:45pmI believe the 3 peaks cycle race passes Slieve Mann tomorrow. Please be vigilant on the road sections for both cyclists and supporting vehicles.
Cormac O'CeallaighApr 15 2023, 6:14pmSorry I missed purchasing an entry for tomorrow by a few minutes.any chance the shop can be reopened for 5 mins to allow me by an entry for tomorrow?
Mick HanneyApr 15 2023, 6:44pmCan a webmaster help Cormac please.
Edyta TruszkowskaApr 15 2023, 7:20pmEarly start:(add name)
- Joe Lalor
- Linda Rowden
-Ellen Hurley (should be ok for a lift down to start)
- Maike Jurgens (most likely)
- foxy (Richard Fox)
- Joe Boyle (55)
- Niamh O Ceallaigh
- Niall Corrigan
- Sean Collier
- Andrew Hanney
- Tim Murphy
- Paul Joyce
- Edyta Truszkwoska
Cormac O'CeallaighApr 15 2023, 7:25pmMany thanks ,I on standby!or 08724692eightzero
Mick HanneyApr 15 2023, 7:40pmEntry Analysis. It will be quite competitive in some of the age categories - a pity we don't have individual cat prizes, but interesting races within races.

Busiest categories.
- M40 - 7 runners
- M45 - 7 runners
- M50 - 8 runners
- M55 - 6 runners

- W40 - 6 runners
Mick HanneyApr 15 2023, 9:57pmInteresting to look at previous results.
The following runners, running tomorrow, have a good history in this race. Hat tipped to both Cormac O'Ceallaigh and Paul Mahon who must have been juniors running this the first time :-).

Name Time Year
Alan Ayling 02:48:00 2000
Alan Ayling 02:39:35 2013

Bernard Fortune 02:20:28 2001
Bernard Fortune 02:23:30 2007

Brian Furey 02:16:01 2013

Cormac O'Ceallaigh 02:43:33 2001
Cormac O'Ceallaigh 03:32:00 2007
Cormac O'Ceallaigh 02:49:05 2013

Joe Lalor 02:45:40 2007
Joe Lalor 02:55:20 2013

Mike Long 02:39:35 2000

Niamh O'Ceallaigh 03:34:00 2007
Niamh O'Ceallaigh 03:14:23 2013

Paul Mahon 02:20:25 2000
Paul Mahon 02:17:41 2001
Paul Mahon 02:41:55 2007
Mick HanneyApr 15 2023, 10:02pm10 fastest men's times. Most were in 2000 - it must have been flat and fast then!

Name Time Year
John Lenihan 01:52:33 2000
Brian Ervine 01:54:45 2000
Eoin Keith 01:59:50 2007
Simon Fairmaner 02:01:16 2001
Francis Cosgrave 02:05:45 2000
Simon Fairmaner 02:08:10 2000
Kevin Grogan 02:12:58 2000
Declan Doyle 02:14:00 2000
William Garrett 02:15:38 2001
Brendan O'Brien 02:15:40 2000

Top Ladies times:
Name Time Year
Joan Flanagan 02:31:37 2001
Shilleen Donnelly 02:38:34 2000
Moire O'Sullivan 02:47:15 2007
Jane Porter 02:52:30 2000
Róisín McDonnell 02:55:25 2000
Donna McLoughlin 03:10:15 2013
Niamh O'Ceallaigh 03:14:23 2013
Niamh O'Ceallaigh 03:34:00 2007
Caitlin Bent 03:52:58 2001
Mick HanneyApr 16 2023, 7:21amFYI runners. The South East Road Club 3 Peaks event starts in Arklow at 9.30. It will travel up from Aughavannagh onto Glenmalure later on. IIf crossing road be vigilant. f running on the road for a spell ie. to Fananerin CP, stay well in at side of road.
Richard FoxApr 16 2023, 7:29amJayney Mac do ya think they’d give me a backer or a crossbar down de road?
Ellen HURLEYApr 16 2023, 4:52pmWow!! What an epic outing... runs like that can be so intimidating but even more rewarding at the finnish line-- although the faninerin ridge was hell with lovely croughanmoira which I think must of grown in the rain, towering down towards the end of the ridge....
Thanks so much Mick, Claire, Frances, Maeve, David (who travelled a long way and still had to drop us to the start!) And any other volunteers I'm sorry I don't know your name... its not possible without ye so thanks so so much!!
Mick HanneyApr 16 2023, 5:21pmResults on way to results secretary.
Plus/minus a few seconds for the vagaries of old school timing.
Steven PettigrewApr 16 2023, 5:47pmExcellent race. Thanks a mil to Mick and all the volunteers today.
Paul FlynnApr 16 2023, 5:54pmThanks everyone for the great day out. I uploaded a photo of the Lug taken during the race to show how clear it was.
Jarlath HynesApr 16 2023, 6:20pmFor Paul & Rob's future polling ;) (see other forum post...)

What I didn't enjoy today - slogging up Lug. And slogging everywhere else.
What I enjoyed about today - getting chaffeured to the race start. THIS needs to be part of every race.

Thanks to Mick & all the volunteers for a very well organised race, a lot of work done in advance & today to allow us 'enjoy' a beautiful sunny Lug.
And well done to all who ran today, sleep well... see you again soon on the hills.
Richard FoxApr 16 2023, 6:23pmWhat an incredible spin around the Wicklow hills today. Unreal. Could only have happened with a superb bunch of vollies. Thanks so much to RD extraordinaire Mick and a super bunch of Bill, Clare, David, Maeve, James and Frank - ye were awesome today. Thank you all so much.
foxy
Paul MahonApr 16 2023, 6:36pmThanks to Mick, Clare, Maeve, Bill, Frank, Dave and rest of Top Team for putting on today's race and super spread of treats afterwards.

The weather was kind, mud plentiful and the craic n banter between all great.

Super to have this classic route back on the Calendar :-}
Cormac O'CeallaighApr 16 2023, 8:23pmSuper race.great to have it back on the calendar.its one of the iconic Imra races for sure! well done to Mick and team for seamless organisation.The 2 gas stoves on the go for the cupan tae at the finish were a real treat.the unbelievable wet and muddy underfoot ensure there was no fast times today .
Adrian HennessyApr 16 2023, 8:36pmThanks Mick and Team for putting on a great Leinster Champs race. A real tester to get us warmed up for the summer. The weather even obliged after all the rain.
Mick HanneyApr 16 2023, 8:52pmWhat a great day this turned out to be. It was grey and cloudy in the early hours but thankfully brightened up lovely later and gave clear views on Lug which helped things considerably.
We had a great team of volunteers and everything clicked. Hopefully it won't be 10 years before the next race here.
Bill, Clare, David (who drove a long distance to volunteer for this), Maeve, James and Francis.
The ferrying of runners to the 2 starts in Aughavannagh went very well, despite the oncoming cyclists.
We had the additional challenge of the cycling event, who also happened to choose Drumgoff Gap for their refreshment point - some of the cyclists wandered over to our table, liking the treats we had on offer, and we had to explain that their table was the other one.
The guys at the other Checkpoint, principally David and Francis, did a great job as did James in updating us of progress of runners.
It should be noted though that runners should have their race no. clearly displayed at all times.
There was a great buzz at the finish line with a great spread of grub and banter about routes and short cuts that did or didn't work. And lots of curses about the Fananerin ridge. Thanks to Michael from the Lodge for helping with the food. Also to Clare who was a great help.
Maeve did a great job recording the results making the compilation of same easy when I got home.
Well done to all runners and especially to Adrian and Becky respectively for their wins.
Alan AylingApr 17 2023, 8:37amGreat job Mick and crew, thanks for a super day on the hills. Even got the snow melted for us. As Cormac said, great to have Aughavannagh back on the calendar. A mighty way to start the Leinster Champs.
I feel I should also add a word of thanks to the pints of Guinness in the Lodge on Saturday night. Beautiful, smooth, creamy pre-race nutrition.
David PowerApr 17 2023, 8:39amSecond best to taking part in the race - one of the joys of this forum is the well written race reports. Words can be better than pictures - in my mind's eye I'm slugging up those climbs, chasing one of my friends/rivals. Thanks for sharing so promptly (and for all the marshals for making it possible)
Mick HanneyApr 17 2023, 8:42amGreat reports. A bit of sunshine and visibility, later on really helped. Prior to Adian's finish the peak of Croaghanmoira was a cloud. It burned off just in time, it was like a sign.

Any of the ladies like to venture a report? Or or of the Liams for a low route view?
Mick HanneyApr 17 2023, 8:46amAlso, any maths whizz's out there to work out when we should have the next race?

The race sequence is:
1983, 1986. 1987, 1988, 2000,
2001, 2007, 2013, 2023, ?
Adrian HennessyApr 17 2023, 9:21amThat's easy Mick: 2024
liam kennyApr 17 2023, 9:45amMick

low route was a mistake is all i have to add, notting more to say
Mick HanneyApr 17 2023, 12:20pmLiam, ah go on. Sharing will help you shed the ghosts of the day ;-)

It could have been worse - you could have descended from Croaghanmoira the wrong way - no names mentioned.

If anyone has any feedback or suggestions for improvement please share. Obviously we will note Jarlath's request for a lift back to his car, after the race finish. All of 300 metres or so I reckon.

Maybe we tape off the lower path and the gully as a way people shouldn't go.
Steven PettigrewApr 17 2023, 3:56pmI was inspired by the other reports to add my own.

@ Mick I'd worry that adding tape would take up time and add more responsibility for you who already has enough to be worrying about. It's also gas reading about people's route regrets.

It was one of the best races I've had with IMRA so can't actually think of anything to improve. Maybe less heat.
Liam VinesApr 17 2023, 5:30pmGreat race Mick and crew..
No tape of any kind allowed.
Liam the bottom road is just for fun!!!!
Definitely shouldn’t be left for 10 years before we revisit it.. But maybe every second year and maybe a few more loops can be dreamed up for the LC
Mick HanneyApr 17 2023, 7:38pmHa, was joking about the tape.

A loop in the other direction with a finishing descent down Ballineddan would be class.
Mick HanneyApr 18 2023, 4:50pmCan we get a race report from one of our lady participants?