The race winner: Noel Berkley who ran the race in 25.54

Well it must have been one of the greatest days in the history of Ballyhaunis, when the streets were lined with competitors for this years 8kRoad Race. While Ballyhaunis has a great tradition for Road Races and this one has been running for a number of years now but it is only associated with Mayo Athletic Club for the last four years. This year's race was the last of the Mayo League involving Mayo AC and C & C Cellular. All the top Mayo runners were there, both men and women. The women did particularly well, taking 4 of the top six positions.
One of the race organizers, Martin Fitzmaurice, said "I suppose the most impressive aspect of this years race was the spread of counties that were represented. Our overall winner was Noel Berkley, who travelled from Cork on his motorbike to join us. A former Irish Olympian who ran for Ireland and a very jolly character. He stayed over in Ballyhaunis Saturday night, as did a number of the competitors and enjoyed some of the local hospitality. Two other runners in the top bunch were brothers Thomas and Dommo Moran from Dunshaughlin AC. Katherine Kinsella is in her 60's and travelled from Arklow for the race. Michael O'Connor from Farranfore, Co Kerry, was first man in over 60 category. If you go through the list, nearly every county in Ireland had someone there including, Sligo, Galway, Dublin, Westmeath, Louth, & Meath just for starters. We couldn’t forget Sean Dooner, who now lives in Tooreen. He comes every year and he is now in his 80's. The last time I met him, he was doing his third of that week. Keep up the good work Sean.”
This years race included no less that three Irish Olympians namely, Noel Berkley, Jerry Kiernan and David Matthews. We were indeed privileged to be in their company for the day. We also had Gerry Duffy, Author of  " Who Dares Runs ". He has completed 32 marathons in 32 counties. The event was supported throughout by The Irish Runner - top Irish running magazine, The Irish Independent and Elverys Sports.  Frank Greally, editor of The Irish Runner, completed the course. He was one of the original founders of a Ballyhaunis Athletic Club many years ago with his friend Padraic Keane, who also completed the course on Saturday. Joe Webb represented the Irish Independent and completed the course with a great time. He was accompanied by many of his family, sisters, brothers and brother in laws. We are deeply indebted to both Joe Webb and Frank Greally for their contribution to the success of this incredible event.
The event would not have ran so smoothly without the input of so many people. First of all the organising committee, Mayo Athletic Club and in particular Michael McGrath, who was always on hand to give advice and assistance. Ballyhaunis Rugby Club for the use of their excellent facilities.  Sponsors/ businesses who gave spot prizes for the race.  Our three main corporate sponsors Elverys Sports, The Irish Independent and The Irish Runner. The local Gardai put on a number of people who marshalled the town and kept runners safe. Mid West Radio gave us great coverage before and after the event and in particular road traffic announcements. We had a number of stewards on the day who manned all the access points while runners were passing, keeping their way safe. Mary Elwoods School of Irish dancers who gave a fantastic display which added a new dimension to the day and was appreciated by all during refreshments. Thanks to all who came out and supported the runners along the course and we hope to improve as each year goes by.