Naas AC celebrate 100 years

Congratulations to Naas AC who are celebrating 100 years!

On the 24th of May they organised a hugely successful 5 mile run at Naas Racecourse who also celebrate 100 years!

The below passage is an excerpt from Naas AC Website:

“The evening began at 6pm with kids races around the Naas racecourse. We started with some 400m races for our younger athletes followed by a full 2km circuit for the older girls and boys. Everything went off without a hitch and it was great to see so many smiling faces as they crossed the finish line and looked forward to getting their hands on the goodie bags!

Meanwhile, the adult athletes were arriving and picking up their race numbers and commemorative centenary T-shirts. The main event began at 7:30pm, on the Tipper Road close to the entrance to the racecourse. There was a very strong contingent of Naas AC athletes, and several other clubs were very well represented such as Lakeshore Striders AC and Donadea AC. It was also great to see so many other locals and non-locals taking part, helping us to celebrate the 100 years in style!

The runners then departed the start line and made their way around their first loop of the Tipper Triangle. It wasn’t long before the leaders had made their way around the 4k loop and were back again to be greeted by a large crowd of cheering supporters at the racecourse. The full field of almost 300 runners followed over the next few minutes, all of them encouraged by the vocal support of the people gathered to watch the race.

Soon we could see the lead Garda car approaching the racecourse for the second time, which we knew meant that the leaders were approaching. First across the line was local Naas AC athlete Matthew Shirran, in a very impressive time of just 26:46. Next to finish was Peter Mooney of Na Fianna AC in 26:54, closely followed by Ger Forde of Crusaders AC in 26:57.

The women’s race was won by Niamh O’Connor of Tullamore Harriers AC in an incredible time of just 27:50. In second place was Niamh Brophy of Lakeshore Striders AC in 31:50 with Vikki Browne of Newbridge AC taking third place in 32:58.

The team event was won by Lakeshore Striders AC.”

Once again, Well done to the centenary committee and Naas AC

for all of their outstanding efforts in celebrating a fantastic milestone!

- Photographs courtesy of Pop Up Races and Naas Photography Group