Runners rock at Slane Castle for Lady Well fete - see video also

Slane Castle rocked to a different theme on Sunday as more than 400 athletes took part on two separate races, almost simultaneously, as part of the Lady Well fete. Calling the tune on this occasion was Bohermeen Athletic Club stalwart Stephen Ball, almost a legend of the local scene on the public address system. Once again he delivered an informative and humorous commentary for the closing stages of both races, the five-kilometre and the 10-mile events. The shorter race saw about 230 runners head away in pursuit of a fast time, or even just a time, while the more serious runner tackled a tough 10-mile circuit around Gormanlough and Stackallen. There was the customary pre-race warm-up for the competitors and the organisers had even arranged a free massage for anyone who wanted it, post-race, but this was strictly confined to competitors - must enter the next race. The recently-formed Rathkenny AC produced the winner of the men's five-kilometre race when Carl O'Sullivan (pictured) stormed home in an impressive 16:33, some 15 seconds ahead of second-placed Harry Fowler. There was a Dunshaughlin flavour to the finish of the ladies race with victory going to Linda Fahy (19:46) with her colleague Ursula Byrne (20:31) in third place, the duo were separated by runner-up Ciara Rooney (20:10). The 10-mile race provided a different challenge and a demanding circuit as some athletes used the race as part of their training regime for marathons later this year. Clonliffe Harriers athlete Michael Mac Diarmada produced a solid performance as he took the laurels comfortably coming home in a good time of 53:34 with the best placed Meath runner taking fourth place, Star of the Sea's Eoin Callaghan in 58:29. And an international flavour was added with a victory for Poland in the ladies race which went to Patricia Vlodarczyk (Swords) in a time of 63:35. Lucy Darcy (Sportsworld) took the runner-up position ahead of Na Fianna's Mary Hanley while some Trim athletes who finished prominently were Don Mahon (64:34) in 14th, Mark Melia (66:12) in 19th and Joe McNamara (67:21) making the top 20. Ball added to the atmosphere with some witty contributions, one that suggested the runners deserved great credit for completing the course - "It's even tough driving a car around Rathkenny and Slane, never mind running" - and he got away with a remark like that. However, his suggestion that "Mick Jagger had run around Slane 30 years ago" received the best reaction and he also reminded enthusiasts that Tara AC will host a five-kilometre race at Ross this Friday, 7.30, contact Lisa O'Dowd at (085) 1416041. Funds raised from the Lady Well fete, which was revived five years ago, go towards Slane Local Heroes which aims to improve the village of Slane. John Murphy, a member of the Local Heroes committee was busy on Sunday morning in his capacity as a steward for the race and also as a photographer for the website and facebook pages. Stewarding at the event was excellent with ease of entry and exit and plenty of volunteers to provide directions and assistance. Click on the link below for video of start http://youtu.be/TXSSvdI9ok0