With the impending departure of the Ironpeople, the recently returned half-ironpeople, and the suffering from Blackrock still etched on some faces it was no surprise that we had the lowest turnout so far this season. The weather was also against us and while we were lucky it stayed dry there was a cold wind blowing straight into everyone’s faces on the return leg of the cycle making it more testing than on the previous two evenings.

Still 16 hardy souls took to the start line and the new handicapped system definitely took the best out of all the competitors. Star of the night was undoubtedly Aaron Conway who led the whole way and managed to maintain his advantage over the pack to cross the line in 58.45 a 6 minute improvement on his previous best and in much more difficult conditions. Debutants Brian Quinn and Michael Cahill were next home and will surely be treated a bit more harshly by the handicapper next time out.

The ladies race was very competitive with Annmarie Gaynors victory taking her to the top of the series leaderboard.  She was followed home by Denise Conway, debutant Amanda Kinahan and the ever improving Mairead Clarke and Julie Reid.

The overall leaderboard is now led by Niall McCabe with David Dollard, Johnny McCabe and Gerry Kenny all close behind and all with the advantage of having only raced twice.

The final race in the series takes place on Tuesday September 18. We must give thanks to Sgt Ted Jones, Dermot Marks and the other Gardai who marshalled the course and traffic for us