O’Boyle tames Twin Peaks with first victory

Jonny Steede’s stranglehold of the Glenravel Festival’s Twin Peaks Cross Country race was finally broken last week.
By The Newsroom
Published 27th Aug 2013, 13:00 BST
The early stages of the Twin Peaks race and already the top finishers are showing storing. Winner Kevin O'Boyle (2), leads second place finisher Emmet McAlister (3) and fourth placed Shaun O'Boyle (1). INBT 35-170CSThe early stages of the Twin Peaks race and already the top finishers are showing storing. Winner Kevin O'Boyle (2), leads second place finisher Emmet McAlister (3) and fourth placed Shaun O'Boyle (1). INBT 35-170CS
The early stages of the Twin Peaks race and already the top finishers are showing storing. Winner Kevin O'Boyle (2), leads second place finisher Emmet McAlister (3) and fourth placed Shaun O'Boyle (1). INBT 35-170CS

The event, sponsored by the Credit Union, was won by Kevin O’Boyle of Ballymena Runners, to add to his recent Cushendun 10k success.

His club-mate Jonny Steede had won the last six Twin Peaks but unfortunately he was unable to defend his title but it was again a Runner who carried off the spoils.

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O’Boyle, whose brother Brendan was champion in 2000, led from gun to tape with a display of strong, disciplined running. Pushed on the ascent of Tuftarney Hill by team mates Alex Brennan and Emmett McAllister, O’Boyle began to ease away from the pack on the lower section and eventually turned on the power on the climb of Cargan Rock for an impressive 15 second win over McAllister with Brennan in third.

Connor Reid was the first local home in fifth place but once again the rising star award goes to young Conor McAllister who lives in the village. He finished sixth overall but almost gave up running over the year. Another local star who does intend to further her rising career was up and coming Ballymena and Antrim AC star Rachel Brown who was first lady home just pipping veteran Catherine Mc Laughlin to the finish.

Catherine McQuillan who won last week’s Ballymena Runners handicap race was the first local lady to cross the line.

Alex Brennan easily won the veteran’s prize from Springwells Gerry O’Doherty, while newcomer to the event Shaun Ritson, better known as a sailor was the first under 18 to cross the line with local lad David Canavan second.

Open Male: 1. Kevin O’Boyle; 2. Emmett McAllister

Open Female: 1. Shauna Hunter; 2. Marion Connon

Local Open Male: 1. Connor Reid; 2. Michael McQuillan

Female: 1. Catherine McQuillan; 2. Can O’Boyle

Veteran Male: 1. Alex Brennan; 2. Gerry O’Doherty

Veteran Female: 1. Catherine McLaughlin; 2. Helena Dornan

Under 17 Male: 1. Shaun Ritson 2. David Canavan

Under 15 Male: 1. Connor McAllister; 2. Sean McKay

Under 15 Female: 1. Rachel Brown; 2. Chloe McAuley.