Hundreds turn out for Christmas dash

Over 500 runners, joggers and walkers pulled on their running shoes, and their rain jackets, to take part in the second annual 5km Cavan Christmas Dash today, this year raising money for the local branch of Multiple Sclerosis. Despite the inclement weather on the day, over 530 local runners showed up, not to mention their friends and families to cheer them on. Everyone lined up for the 12 noon start before setting off, some in Santa hats - one runner with a horse's mask on galloped ahead of much of the field. By the end, Simon Ryan, Raheny Shamrocks, reigned in ahead of everyone else with an incredible time of 15:47, followed by Glenn Phair, Enniskillen, at 16:32 and Donal Hanratty, Tara, at 16:37. The first female over the finishing line was Fiona Roche of the Raheny Shamrocks, fourth overall with a time of 16:40. Over €9,000 was raised at last year's event for The Alzheimer Day Care Centre, and organisers Barry McDonald and Liam Mimnagh said they were again delighted with the response shown. Speaking to the Celt following the race, Barry McDonald wished to thank everyone involved - the Gardaí, the Annalee Running Club who assisted in handling registration; and Killygarry GFC who provided stewards. He also thanked all other local businesses who help in organising the event. Speaking on behalf of the Cavan branch of MS, Karen Sheriff said the charity was overwhelmed with the support shown, thanking Barry and Liam, and everyone who turned out on the day. Donations can still be made at www.cavanchristmasdash.ie or www.mycharity.ie and race times can be viewed at www.precisiontiming.net.