The Dublin Community Blog

Congratulations to Moses Kibet who won the mens race in 2.08.58 and Tatiana Aryasova who won the womens race in 2.26.12 both of which were course record times. Paul Hannon was the wheelchair winner in a time of 2:20:38 and of course congratulations to all those who took part in this years race. The results list can be found on the Dublin Marathon site.

Congratulations to 24-year-old Linda Byrne who won the 2010 Flora Womens Mini Marathon in heavy rain yesterday. Linda is from the Dundrum/South Dublin Athletic Club and according to the race announcer she is the first runner from that club to win the event. Over 40,000 women (and a few disguised men) took part in the event despite the heavy rain.

More photos can be found on my Flickr stream.

This years Grand Marshal for the 2010 St Patricks Parade in Dublin has been announced and it’s Packie Bonner. The former Republic of Ireland goalkeeper is a national hero for his save in the penalty shootout against Romania during Italia 90. I think we can say the parade is in a safe pair of hands this year (oh God did I really just say that?)

Congratulations to all the participants in the 2009 Liffey Swim. I understand over 200 men and 70 women took part this year. They had a lovely sunny day for it and that brought out the crowds of spectators along the quays and over the bridges. Special praise has to go to the swimmer who while bringing up the rear of the mens race was still gracious enough to joke with the crowd. At the Ha’ Penny bridge some jokers cheering on the swimmers shouted “you’re going the wrong way”. The swimmer looked up seemed to smile and shouted “Oh Really? Thanks!” turned around and started swimming back up the river to the amusement of all present.

I have not been able to find official results yet but from what I can find out the mens race was won by Pat O Driscoll of the Templeogue Club. More photos from the swim can be found on my Flickr account and in the Dublin Blog Flickr Group.

Update: Official results are available on Swim Ireland

Mens Race Winner: Pat O’Driscoll, Templeogue Club

Womens Race Winner: Sorcha Barry, Glenalbyn Masters

Congratulations to Rosemary Ryan winner of the 27th Flora Women’s Mini Marathon. Congratulations also to the over 40,000 entrants who took part on a blisteringly hot Dublin bank holiday weekend.

 

Rosemary Ryan, the 2009 winner.

Some more photos can be found in my flickr stream, but if anyone wants to add more please do so.

As you may know, there will be loads of women in trainers running around in the city tomorrow afternoon.  And all will be running for a good cause – or good causes:

The Flora Women’s Mini Marathon is the biggest all women’s event of its kind in the world. It has grown steadily in numbers since it began in 1983 with its popularity increasing significantly over the last few years.

Over those years some 600,000 women have entered the event – and the Flora Women’s Mini Marathon had a record field of 40,516 on Bank Holiday Monday, June 2nd, 2008.

Charities are the big winners. In 2008 it is estimated in excess of €10m was raised by the participants bringing the total since the race started in 1983 close to €100m. All charities benefit. The women decide themselves who they will support and many local causes gain vital revenue from the event. It is now the biggest single day charity event in the country.

Supported charities include the Dublin RSPCA, Barnados, Debra Ireland and many more. You will find all necessary information on the official website of the marathon. So if you have nothing planned for tomorrow’s bank holiday (and the perfect weather), please go and cheer for the good cause(s).

Please note that the following roads will be closed due to the marathon between 2.45 and 5.30 PM:

Nutley Lane
Stillorgan Road from Belfield to Donnybrook
Doimybrook Village
Morehampton Road
Leeson Street

Image from Leinster Rugby website.

I was privileged to be present in Murrayfield for Leinsters win yesterday. What a great year for Irish rugby. Long may it continue.

RTE report can be found here.

Image courtesy of Dave Cahill on Leinsterfans.com

Oh it feels good to write that score! It felt better having being at the match and having the pleasure to witness such an extraordinarily unexpected performance from Leinster and Munster. I am hoarse. Roll on Edinburgh on May 23rd.

From the Sunday Times

Leinster came with a plan and also the determination to implement it ruthlessly. First of all, they did what so few teams do against Munster and bullied them in the collision area. They apparently shocked Munster by their line-speed and then piled into the tackle area, causing any number of turnovers, with Rocky Elsom, the destroyer in chief.

They won because they got big performances from players supposedly past it — Malcolm O’Kelly, Chris Whitaker and especially Shane Horgan, who looked like he was enjoying himself again. Isa Nacewa also made light of any doubts over his ability to play full-back with an assured display.

Most of all, though, Leinster did it because they came to play some rugby and not be distracted. Granted a beautiful spring afternoon, when they got themselves into striking position, they broke the habit of the season and actually brought their backs into play. And it worked — three tries, all by the three-quarters. Hallelujah.

Probably one of Leinster Rugbys most important games takes place in Croke Park today – the European Rugby Cup semi-final against Munster. Kick off is at 5.30pm. If you are lucky enough to be going to the game, please wear blue.

Pop over to the Leinster Fans forum and join in the many debates/discussions going on.

I’m lucky enough to be going to Croker.  Whatever the result, it’ll be a pleasure to witness such an event.

Go Leinster!

Image courtesy of AJB on Leinster Fans forum.