24/05/2026
The 2026 Walls of Fethard 5km proved to be another outstanding success for Fethard AC, with fantastic numbers taking part, a brilliant atmosphere throughout the town, and perfect running conditions helping produce a host of superb performances and several course records.
From the first race numbers collected to the final refreshments served, the event showcased everything that is great about community athletics in Fethard. The continued growth of the race is a credit to everyone involved and reflects the hard work put in year after year by the club and volunteers.
Fethard AC would like to extend a sincere thank you to our main sponsors, Fethard Electrical Hardware and David O'Mahony Electrical, whose continued support is greatly appreciated and plays a huge role in making the event possible each year. We would also like to thank all the local businesses who generously sponsored spot prizes and category prizes. Your support of community athletics in Fethard is hugely valued.
A huge thank you also goes to our marshals who kept the route safe and encouraging for all participants, to Fethard Town Park for their support and facilities, to our hardworking committee for the months of preparation behind the scenes, and to our catering volunteers who looked after everyone so well afterwards. Events like this simply could not happen without the support and generosity of so many people.
Most importantly, well done to all of our own Fethard AC members who competed, volunteered and represented the club so proudly on the day.
The men’s race produced a blistering performance from Sean Tobin of Clonmel AC, who stormed home in 14:42 to break the male course record. Tobin set a relentless pace from the start and thrilled spectators with a top-class display of front running.
Second place went to Dermot Gorman of Carrick-on-Suir AC in an excellent 15:53. Gorman’s consistency and strength also earned him victory in the M40 category. Third overall was Pawel Hoc of Clonmel AC in 16:35, continuing Clonmel’s strong showing with a composed and powerful run.
In the remaining men’s categories, Danny Brosnan of Clonmel AC claimed the M40 title in 16:40 with a strong and experienced run. Robert Speer of Clonmel AC took the M45 category in 18:14 after a very steady performance, while Eelco Beckers impressed greatly in the M50 division, setting a new course record with a superb 17:41.
Another course record fell in the M55 category where Eugene O'Keeffe of Carrick-on-Suir AC clocked 17:58 in a brilliant effort. Anthony Power of Clonmel AC won the M60 category in 20:06, while Ben English of Dundrum AC showed his experience and endurance to win the M65 category in 21:56.
Joe Gough of West Waterford AC added yet another course record to the day’s achievements, winning the M70 category in 20:38 with an exceptional run. Home club member Noel Howley received warm applause from supporters as he claimed victory in the M75 category in 27:30, while Myles McHugh of Clonmel AC completed the M80 category in 32:56.
The Male Juvenile race produced another outstanding performance as Dylan Magorrian of Grange Fermoy AC set a new Male Juvenile course record with a superb winning time of 16:58. Jack Browne of Cashel ran strongly for second place in 18:23, while Harry Weymouth of Clonmel AC finished third in 19:07.
The women’s race was equally competitive, with Laura Cooney of Clonmel AC taking an impressive victory in 17:14. Cooney ran confidently throughout and finished strongly to lead the women home. Second place went to Muireann Duffy of Clonmel AC in 17:32, while Laura Earley of Fethard AC delighted the local supporters by taking third place in 18:44 with an excellent performance on home roads.
The Female Juvenile category was won by Siun Cunningham of West Waterford AC, who ran a determined race to finish in 20:25. Ludmila Podzimkova of Clonmel AC finished second in 20:32, closely followed by Eadoin Duffy of Clonmel AC in 20:56.
In the women’s masters categories, Ruth Hally of Clonmel AC claimed the F40 title in 21:13 with a strong run. A particularly proud moment for the home club came with Edel Roche of Fethard AC winning the F45 category in 20:03 while also setting a new course record.
Mairead O'Rourke of J&N Coaching ran superbly to take the F50 category in 20:02, while Shiela Magorrian of Grange Fermoy AC secured the F55 title in 23:17 with a controlled and consistent performance.
Another excellent result for the host club saw Eleanor Walsh proudly represent Fethard AC in winning the F60 category in 27:17, while Esme Alexander of Coolquill AC claimed victory in the F65 category in 27:03.
The Walls of Fethard 5km continues to go from strength to strength and this year’s event will long be remembered for its atmosphere, community spirit and remarkable performances. Fethard AC would like to sincerely thank every runner, volunteer, sponsor and supporter who helped make the 2026 race such a memorable occasion, and we already look forward to welcoming everyone back again next year 🔵⚫️