Summer League #2: Doneraile Park Tuesday May 21st Results and Report

The second event in the 2019 Summer League saw competitors venture North to the majestic surrounds of Doneraile Forest Park. There were seventy entrants on the nights but as many of these were families and groups, we had probably close to 100 orienteers join us as we celebrated World Orienteering Day. Orienteering is the sport for all and we were delighted to welcome so many families to the event. The Fermoy Scouts were also back for more orienteering adventures. As always, we were extended a great welcome from our North Cork crew. The sun shone brightly and the warm evening enticed many into the outdoors. The park was a hive of activity as many took advantage of the glorious evening and wonderful setting and the great amenities on offer in the park. There were a few challenging control sites on both courses on Tuesday night which required some focused navigation. The Long course began with a fast sprint down the hill toward the area of forest adjacent to the car park. From here competitors crossed the charming bridges to another section of forest for the next two controls. Following control three there was a tough climb up to control site four in a pit in the forest. The aroma of wild garlic hit competitors when they entered this section of forest which was carpeted in the herb. The fine evening led some competitors to don their shorts for this event but many rued this decision at the finish. Control five was the first of a number of control sites that had a sting to it. Unfortunately, this area and many other sections of forest in the park were quite overgrown with nettles. Many of the late arrivals may have benefited from the well-trodden paths through these sections and might not have suffered to the same extent as the early starters. Next up was control 6 in the depression and this site caused issues for a number of participants on the night as it proved tricky to get to. From here there was some nice fast running through to control 11 at the bridge. Competitors had some route choice on the leg from 11 to 12 with options to approach the control from the northern side or the southern side. Again, there was a bit of a sting on exiting this site. The legs from 13 to 16 had participants cross through the open paddocks and big wildflower meadow. The arduous run up the paddocks though the wispy grass was followed by a nice decent through the meadow. Following 16 there was a return to the forest. Control 17 at the pit proved problematic for some as did control 19 at the distinctive tree. From here there followed a number of short fast legs before a fast downhill sprint to the finish. It was a taxing course which required lots of concentration and there was plenty of post-race analysis among the finishers. Many also took advantage of the beautiful evening and enjoyed a post-race picnic or playground adventure. To celebrate World Orienteering Day certificates and stickers were issues to all participants. Apologies to all Long course participants for the nettles and not being able to get their exact finish time at download. A small technical issue with one of the units led to finish times getting extended by 1440 or 720 minutes! This issue has been corrected in the results which have been uploaded. This week’s Long course tested competitors orienteering skills and speed and it was Darragh Hoare who demonstrated both in abundance. He claimed the Long course event winner honour when he completed the 5km course in a fantastic time of 32:55. Runner up on the night was Andrew Turner. He punched all 24 controls in a time of 35:15. There was fierce contest for the final podium spot and just 15 seconds separated the next two finishers. Conrad Daly held off the challenge from Cian Horgan to take third place finishing in a time of 35:49. The fastest Lady around the trails at Doneraile was Caroline Murray she punched the finish in a time of 43:17. Runner up on the night was Sharon Lucey she completed the challenging course in a time of 45:29. Third place went to Elaine Sheridan who completed the course in a time of 51:29.

On the 2.8km Short course it was Conor O’Geran who led the field and took the event winner title when he finished in a time of 20:34. Runner up on the night was Isaac Bosonnet he punched all 13 controls in a time of 25:29. Patrick and Moya Nordstrom pooled their orienteering skills together and claimed the final spot on the podium when they completed the course in a time of 27:29.

When done to all who participated on the night and took part in our World Orienteering Day event. Full individual results with split times are available at the following link:

http://www.orienteering.ie/result2?oaction=moreResult&id=22051

Huge thanks this week to Jim Callanan and Denis Power for planning and organising the events. Thanks also to John Power, Ailbhe and Rose Callanan for helping on the night with starts, control collection, stewarding  and download. Thanks also to Liam O'Brien for map printing.

Once again, this event wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the Cork Schools Orienteering Association (CSOA) who gave us the use of their map and the Office of Public Works (OPW) who granted us access to this wonderful amenity and the staff of Doneraile Park.

Next week we head West to the start of the Wild Atlantic Way when we visit James Fort in Kinsale. From previous visits to this location many will recall that this pentagonal Fort with its spear shaped earthen Bastions at the corners is surrounded by open hillside. It will be tough going traversing this hilly terrain but the picturesque views and the opportunity for a post run cool down at the Dock beach will make it all worthwhile. Further information on the location and directions are available here:

www.corko.net/calendar/james-fort

Hope you can join us at this fabulous destination.