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Killarney man runs for 28 hours straight!

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CROSS COUNTRIES: Joe O'Leary in one of the world's toughest endurance races in the Swiss, Italian and French Alps.

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By Sean Moriarty

A Killarney man has completed one of the world’s toughest endurance races in the Alps after running almost non-stop for 28 hours.

Joe O’Leary (45), an accomplished mountain runner, took part in last weekend’s Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc, a 160km race with elevations gains of around 10,000 metres.

Based in the French town of Chamonix, it is widely regarded as one of the most difficult foot races in the world, and one of the largest with more than 2,500 starters. The race, which has strict entry and qualification requirements gained over a two-year period, crosses the French, Italian and Swiss Alps.

O’Leary qualified on the back of several Irish results including winning last year’s Sli Gaeltacht Mhuscrai Ultra Marathon from Millstreet to Ballingeary, but elected to enter the 160km race as opposed to the 170km.

“Believe it or not the shorter distance is actually more difficult as we face more direct climbs,” he told the Killarney Advertiser this week. “The climbing in Italy is crazy stuff, I had one section where I climbed for 2000 metres, around here you have Carrauntoohil, you can only go just over 1000 metres before you start to come down again.”

The Lissivigeen man competed the course in 28 hours and four minutes and finished 29thin his age category.

“I wasn’t watching the time as that would just wreck your head,” he added. “I finished where I thought I would time-wise. My quads were wrecked though that night and my ankle was sore and slowed me up. The last nine kilometres was relatively easy and maybe I could have come in under 28 hours but I was getting hungry and decided to stop for a bowl of soup and enjoy the last bit.”

He hopes to return to the event again and even has ambitions to contest the 320km event that runs alongside the two other races.

“That is a team event, you need a team of four so you are never on your own,” he said. “It is for the real head bangers.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Deenagh Lodge to host Alzheimer’s Memory Walk

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Killarney National Park will serve as the venue for this year’s Kerry Alzheimer’s Memory Walk on Sunday, September 20.

Participants will gather at the Deenagh Lodge ahead of an 11.00am start to complete a 5km scenic route through the park.

The event takes place on the eve of World Alzheimer’s Day as part of a nationwide series of walks supported by Aviva.


Now in its seventh year, the initiative raises vital funds for The Alzheimer Society of Ireland to support local dementia services, including daycare centres, family carer training, social clubs, dementia cafés, and the national helpline.

Last year, nearly 3,000 walkers across Ireland raised over €240,000 for the cause.


The Kerry walk will be led by local champions Kathriona Sheehan, Niamh Murphy, Lynda Phillips, and Melissa Molyneaux, who are walking in support of all those living with dementia.
“We are proud to lead our annual Alzheimer’s Memory Walk supported by Aviva to help fund local dementia services in Kerry,” they said. “The event is about community and helping spread awareness by walking together to raise vital funds for care, support, and hope for the days ahead. Join us in Killarney on Sunday, 20th September to show your support.”


With over 40 walks scheduled across Ireland, members of the public can walk in memory of a loved one or to show solidarity. Further details and registration are available at memorywalk.ie.

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Gary Moynihan wins racecourse style title

Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day. Moynihan, a local neuromuscular […]

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Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day.

Moynihan, a local neuromuscular therapist, claimed Best Dressed Gentleman in a made-to-measure six-button burgundy double-breasted suit with a navy check from Saville Menswear in Cork. He completed the winning look with a shirt and paisley tie from Simply Suits Killarney and brown derby shoes from Pavers at the Killarney Outlet Centre.
Best Dressed Lady was awarded to Novak, a hospital personal assistant from Tullamore, who wore a red polka-dot ensemble and custom hat designed by milliner Rita Daly, featuring sustainable jewellery made from recycled plastic.
Canella Lane owner Ciana Aspell praised the high standard of fashion on the day, while Killarney Racecourse Manager Karl McCay thanked the sponsors and racegoers for their support.
With the summer season now wrapped up, the team at Killarney Racecourse is gearing up for the October Festival on October 4 and 5, featuring its first-ever Student Raceday with SPIN South West on the Monday. Early ticket booking is advised.

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