Autumn League #4: Doneraile Forest Park, 14th Annual Cliona Callanan Memorial Orienteering Event Results and Report

The Event Organisers were delighted with the day

The fourth event in the CorkO Autumn League saw large crowds gather in Doneraile Forest Park on Sunday morning for the 14th Annual Cliona Callanan Memorial Orienteering Event. The beautiful September morning further enhanced the majestic nature of this park.

The great weather encouraged many to get out and enjoy the outdoors and there were over 120 people in attendance on the day. With all proceeds from the event going to the Children’s Leukaemia Association entrants not only got to enjoy exercising in this glorious park on a lovely day but also helped support this great cause. We are delighted to report that €1232 was raised on the day. Jim, Rosemary and the whole Callanan family are sincerely thankful to everyone who attended and supported them on the day and gave so generously to this cause.

With three courses on offer on the day there was something to suit all levels of orienteering experience. We were thrilled to welcome the Mallow Scouts back again this year for another orienteering adventure. We hope you all enjoyed the challenge and wonderful setting.

With 26 controls on the 5.5km Long course there was no let up on the navigation and at the finish just 21 seconds differentiated our top two finishers. Dan McDonnell took the long course event winner title when he punched the finish in a time of 33:20. Hot on Dan’s heels was Niamh Corbett who completed the testing course in a time of 33:41. Niamh’s dad Brian claimed the final podium spot when he completed the course in a time of 35:29.

Meanwhile on the 3.7km Medium course it was Patrick O'Grady who led the field home completing the course in an impressive time of 28:09 securing himself a comfortable winning margin over runner up Ted Feehan. Ted punched all 16 controls in a time of 34:08. Third place went to Yann O'Suilliabhain who finished in a time of 35:58.

There was lots of competition on the 2.6km Short course and it was Alec O’Brien who took the Short course event winner title. Alec punched all 10 controls in a time of 30:22 to secure the win. Trevor, Shay, Bobby, Harry and Billy pooled their navigational skills to complete the course in a time of 33:05 and claim the runner up spot in the process. Further team work assisted Anita, Callum, Saoirse, Fintan and Ava to third place. They punched the finish in a time of 35:45.

Thanks again to all those who supported the event and well done to all who participated. Full individual results with split times are available at the following link:

http://www.orienteering.ie/result2?oaction=moreResult&id=22107

Huge thanks to Jim Callanan for planning and organising the event. Special thanks also to Liam O’Brien and the Sleeman-Power, O’Leary-Fitzpatrick and Lucey families for helping with the event.

We very much appreciate the assistance of Cork Schools Orienteering Association (CSOA) who gave us use of their map for the event.

We are very grateful to the OPW and the staff of Doneraile Park for permitting us stage the event in this wonderful location.

Thanks also to Christy Collins, Director with the Children’s Leukaemia Association for attending 

Once again huge thanks to everyone else who supported the event in any way.