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No stopping Joe as he reaches third in the world

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By Sean Moriarty

A Killarney man who finished third in one of the world’s most-difficult adventure races has not ruled out another attempt in an effort to win it.

SLEEP: Joe O'Leary grabs a few minutes sleep in a forest hut during the 431km non-stop Spine Race in England last week.

The Spine Race is a non-stop 431km course over mountains and moors in the North of England.

Lissivigeen man Joe O’Leary was given one week to complete the gruelling course but managed to complete it in half that time in 96 hours and 50 minutes to finish third overall - or four days and 50 minutes!

He ran almost non-stop through ice, knee-deep snow and a wind-chill factor of -15.

He survived on a total of 90 minutes sleep taken at short intervals at various way-points along the route.

Joe is no stranger to adventure racing.

In September 2019 he ran for 28-hours straight to finish the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc, a 160km race in the French Alps.

This time last year he finished third in the shorter Montane Spine Challenger Race.

On that occasion he completed the 173kms course in 30 hours but this year he returned to compete in the harder 431km event where his competition included professional athletes.

CHALLENGE

Joe and his fellow competitors set off from the start in Edale in the heart of England’s Peak District at 8am on Sunday, January 14.

Nearly one hundred hours later, just before 9am on Thursday morning (January 15), he crossed the finish line in Kirk Yetholm, a small village just over the Scottish border.

Along the way he was obliged to visit certain way-points or time controls and here he was able to change into fresh clothes, eat a dinner (or two) and grab a few minutes sleep before re-joining the course.

Outside assistance is strictly forbidden, and apart from the official checkpoints there are a few ‘approved’ private houses along the way that offer hot drinks and small meals.

Even bringing supporters is frowned upon – if a fan cheers for one racer they must cheer for all the racers – otherwise it is seen as unfair.

“This was my first time doing the long race,” he told the Killarney Advertiser.

“It was fantastic but totally unexpected to be on the podium. It was a strong field and first and second were pros…this is their job.”

Starting out in pouring rain the conditions soon turned to ice, snow and eventually waist-deep snow.

Volunteers fed competitors in scout halls or similar along the route and it was places like this Joe grabbed some shut eye – but not much.

“They really look after you. If you wanted two or three dinners to keep you going you could have them,” he said. “The problem is the clock does not stop. And the more time you spend at way points the more it will effect your results.”

Joe has no immediate plans but intends to visit Australia in May for a well earned holiday.

“I have entered a race in Sydney!” he added.

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Get your scrap together

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Following the success of the first ever Killarney Lions Club scrap metal collection in 2025, the Club will again run the event this year in partnership with KWD Recycling on March 28, at Killarney Racecourse.

Similar to 2025, money raised through recycling the metal will go towards improving facilities for families attending the children’s cancer unit in Cork University Hospital, as part of an overall fundraising drive being coordinated by Lions Clubs all over Munster.

The Club is asking people to bring non-ferrous scrap metals such as aluminium, copper, brass, zinc and stainless steel (no white goods such as fridges/cookers washing machines). Volunteers will be on hand from 9am until 4pm to take donations of scrap and work with KWD Recycling to remove it for processing.

“Although Lions Clubs in Munster have already raised some funds for CUH, more is still needed, so we’re delighted that KWD Recycling is working with us again to support this very worthwhile cause”, said Jason Higgins, President of Killarney Lions Club. “We’re asking anyone who has scrap metal at home, at work or on the farm now or in the next few weeks to please bring it to the Racecourse on the day because everything we collect will make a difference.”

Tadhg Healy, Sales Manager at KWD Recycling added that “We will recycle any high quality scrap metal that we collect – it can be quite valuable and of course it’s better for the environment if it’s recycled instead of being dumped. On top of that, the main thing with this collection is to help families of children with cancer, so hopefully we’ll get a good response from everyone and raise as much money as possible through this event”.

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Rathmore Ravens take the spotlight on Friday night

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Excitement is building in Rathmore as the local basketball club prepares for a spectacular night of song, dance and entertainment next Friday, March 13.

Rathmore Ravens Basketball Club is organising a lip-sync event, Lights, Lyrics, Layups, which promises to be an uplifting, vibrant night of singing and dancing, sure to get everyone on their feet.

The event is taking place at the Heights Hotel, with doors opening at 6.30pm and the show starting at 7.30pm.

Eleven acts, comprising 114 club members, will take to the stage on the night under the expert choreography of Joe Burkett.

Children will present the acts, while ushers will accompany performers on and off the stage.

Audience members will also have the chance to vote for their favourite performance, and the best homemade poster will be chosen on the night.

Founded in 2009, Rathmore Ravens Basketball Club has gone from strength to strength each year.

It has been a milestone year for the club, with their largest ever number of juvenile and senior players competing at county and Basketball Ireland Academy level, and their first ever u20 men’s team in the National League.

The fundraising event is being supported by many sponsors in Rathmore and beyond, and the club has expressed gratitude for the support it has received.

The basketball club has a very strong social media presence, and all act reveals are being posted on their Facebook page. Rathmore Ravens is promising a fun, feel-good Friday night full of glamour and sparkle.

If you’re looing for a good night out next weekend, look no further than Lights, Lyrics, Layups.

Tickets are still available and can be purchased by phoning Orla on 086 374 7780 or Fiona on 087 910 9257.k

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