Murlough runners enjoy Finnebrogue

2 July 2025

A SMALL group of Murlough AC athletes swapped running around Tollymore Forest for Finnebrogue when they took part in the annual Beer and Bubbles 5K.

The event was sponsored by MB McGrady, with proceeds going to local mental health charity Suicide Down to Zero.

Most of the Murlough contingent had not taken part in this before, but the promise of a scenic run or walk through Finnebrogue Woods, around the lake, and a celebratory beer or prosecco at the finish line was too much to resist.

This was a brilliant run, mostly along trails, with a few sharp, short hills thrown in. The excellent weather added to the enjoyment, though the midges also decided to make an appearance — maybe their cousins in Tollymore had told them to watch out for Murlough runners.

Anne McCormick was the first club member to make it to the beer and bubbles, after crossing the finish line, and she joined Grainne Madden and Patricia McGovern, who had completed the walk earlier.

Jennifer Keenan and Nicole McIlmurray were next home, followed by Philippa McConville, Ursula Smyth and Shona Murray – returning to running after a long break due to injuries.

High temperatures and wall-to-wall sunshine may be great for chilling out at the beach, but it is not quite as ideal for running.

So, it was a relief that conditions were cooler, with a few rain showers, at the Moy Park Belfast City Women’s 10K on Sunday.

With the popular race advertised as being flat and fast, attracts thousands of female runners and walkers.

Murlough AC members joined 2,500 participants to complete the route, which is based around the Titanic Quarter.

Aoife Hart (48.15), Joanne McCollum (51.40) and Anne McCormick (54.07) were the first three club members to finish.

Lynsey, Phillipa, Ursula and Caroline were all happy that they continued to improve on their 10K times, while Fiona Barr proved age is just a number, finishing ahead of many much younger women.

Congratulations to Jennifer Keenan, Nicole McIlmurray and Niamh Malone, who ran their first 10K.

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