News
No stopping Joe as he reaches third in the world

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.
News
World Rally Champion Phil Mills’ Killarney visit
Former World co-driving champion Phil Mills will be one of the guests of honour at a special Killarney and District Motor Club event next month. The club is celebrating Prodrive’s […]

Former World co-driving champion Phil Mills will be one of the guests of honour at a special Killarney and District Motor Club event next month.
The club is celebrating Prodrive’s association with the Rally of the Lakes on October 14.
The legendary British motorsport preparation firm was responsible for building some of the most iconic associated with the local rally.
The celebration, which will raise funds for the Jack and Jill Foundation, will be hosted by the voice of Irish motorsport Alan ‘Plum’ Tyndall.
Welshman Mills, who won the 2003 World Rally Championship, alongside Petter Solberg has confirmed his attendance at the Killarney Racecourse-based event.
He is just one of many superstars attending the showcase.
y
“Accompanying the stars will be a collection of iconic Prodrive machinery, ranging from the BMW E30 M3, all the way through to the Subaru Group A and World Rally Cars the 1990s and early 2000s,” said Killarney and District Motor Club vice chairman and organiser Mike Shea.
“All proceeds of this event will go directly to the Jack & Jill foundation helping provide support and special care to children across the country and is a once in a lifetime event.”
This event is in association with: Lyons of Limerick; C.Wharton Tool Hire Ltd; BG Motors Ltd; Castleisland Tyre Centre; Aherns Motor Group; Reen’s Rathmore Peugeot; KC Print and Moriarty’s Central Car Sales
News
National Park Autumn talks series 2023
The National Parks and Wildlife Service will run a series of talks on Thursday nights in October and November. Beginning on October 5 until November 16 the six-meeting programme will […]

The National Parks and Wildlife Service will run a series of talks on Thursday nights in October and November.
Beginning on October 5 until November 16 the six-meeting programme will cover everything for the nature within the national park to the history of Killarney and its surrounding areas.
The opening lecture, by the NPWS’s Eamon Meskell will tell the story of the White-Tailed eagle in Killarney.
The following week, local historian, Owen O’Shea will deliver a speech on the Civil War in Kerry.
The final October talk is scheduled for October and its topic is the fungi growing in the park.
The lectures resume in November, on November 2, John Breen will talk about the various ant species in the park, the following week will feature a talk on the McShain family’s contribution to the town.
The final meeting, on November 16 covers the Blasket Islands, past present and future.
All events take place at Killarney House at 8pm – free admission but limited seating.
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