The first three men at the County Novice Road Championships in Lisvernane. From left, Pawel Hoc, Clonmel AC, silver; Sean Landers, Mooreabbey Milers AC, gold and Padraic Maher, Thurles Crokes, bronze
Better known for his hurling exploits for both Tipperary and Thurles Sarsfields, winning All-Ireland medals and All-Star Awards before injury curtailed his career, Padraic Maher has turned his attention to athletics.
On his competitive debut on Sunday last, the Thurles Crokes man ran a brilliant race to win the men's County Novice Road Championships bronze medal in 21 minutes 15 seconds.
The event was won by Sean Landers in an impressive time of 20 minutes 38 seconds.
He becomes the second Mooreabbey Milers athlete to win this coveted title, after Stuart Moloney won it in 2014 in Moyne.
Pawel Hoc of Clonmel AC also ran very well on his debut in these championships to win the silver medal in 20 minutes 45 seconds.
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Patrick Harris, Carrick-on-Suir AC was fourth in 21 minutes 35 seconds, Tim Treacy, Carrick-on-Suir AC was fifth in 21 minutes 37 seconds and Eelco Beckers, Clonmel AC was sixth in 21 minutes 42 seconds.
In the team awards Mooreabbey Milers AC made club history when winning this coveted title for the very first time. Their winning team was Sean Landers, Patrick Ahern 14th (22.10), Kevin Patrick Lenihan 17th (22.19) and Liam Lewis 18th (22.20).
The Carrick-on-Suir team of Patrick Harris, Tim Treacy Eugene O’Keeffe 12th (22.09) and Eoghan Coughlan 38th (23.54) won the silver medals.
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The Clonmel AC team of Pawel Hoc, Eelco Beckers, Robert Speer 21st (22.25) and Michael Lancster 31st (23.04) won the bronze medals.
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