The fourth race in the Slaney Olympic Handicap Series took place on Friday evening the 9^th July on the tough 5 mile Still Pond Course. The wet, cold and windy conditions did not deter 24 determined athletes from making this one of the most competitive races this far in the series.

The overall winner on the night was Kevin Murphy in a time of 28.41 followed by Padraig Moriarity and Conail Cooper in 29.24 and 30.10 respectively, next was Brian Murphy in 31.22.  It was in the minor placing that the competition was tightest i.e. Stephen Tyrell/Milo Roban 5^th/6^th in 33.22/33.30. Joe Millar/John O’Connor 11^th/12^th in 37.01/37.03.  Don’t forget the placings will be different when the handicaps are adjusted.

First lady home was Martina Conran in a time of 38.52 but hot on her heels in a time of 38.59 was Joan Kennedy-Doyle.  This was one of the best finishes of the night.  Rita Boyle fresh from her 1^st place achieved in her first National Cycling Event the previous Sunday was next in a time of 39.27.  We are now becoming one of the most versatile clubs   in the country as two of our other lady members competed in the European Triathlon championships in Athlone last weekend.  Bernie Millar who represented Ireland in her age category and Danielle Kearns who was also competing in her first European.  Both girls did the club proud on the day as they achieved excellent times in their events.

Thanks to all the stewards who turned up on the night.  The next race in the series will be a 4 miller on the Dublin Road circuit on Friday July 23^rd at 7.30 p.m.