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.

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.

Kerry Airport Ireland has been announced as the sponsor of the first-ever Kerry Football Club jersey ahead of the club’s debut in the SSE Airtricity First Division.

The home kit, which is green with a white and gold trim and supplied by New Balance, was on the Kerry Airport runway today (Thursday) and is ready for take-off in the first home game next month.

The two change kits, which will also feature Kerry Airport’s branding, will be available to purchase this month.

“The establishment of the new Kerry Football Club is a major milestone in the sporting history of the county,” John Mulhern, the CEO of Kerry Airport Ireland, said.

“At Kerry Airport, we recognise the crucial role that sport plays in bringing communities together either through playing, coaching or attending matches. Kerry Football Club will elevate the profile of soccer in the county to a new level while giving talented players an opportunity to shine. We are proud to play our part and we are looking forward to working closely with Kerry FC in their efforts to reach the top ‘flight’ of the League of Ireland.”

Kerry Football Club will play 36 games in the SSE Airtricity First Division with the opening fixture being at home against Cobh Ramblers at Mounthawk Park, Tralee, kicking-off at February 17.

Season tickets remain on sale from www.kerryfc.com while individual match tickets will be going on sale in the coming weeks.