An Cosantóir

www.military.ie the defence forces magazine | 31 by LT TOM MULLARKEy, PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER (PIO) I t was an early start on Sunday 6th July, for the runners of FINIRIShbAtt and the 45 Inf Gp who made their way to UN Post 2-3 in Shama, South Lebanon for the annual UNIFIL 5km road race. the Irish team were in good spirits as they, along with nearly 120 other competitors, re- ceived a comprehensive race brief by chief steward Comdt Martin Coffey. the race route, consisting of two laps of the undulating Camp 2-3, would provide a challenging test for even the experienced runner and the numerous water stations provided a hint of the exertions to follow. OC 45 Inf Gp, Lt Col Kevin Campion, himself a competitor in the Over 40's category, was rightly confident in 'Team Ireland' as the as- sembled squad represented some of the best runners the Defence Forces had to offer. Mercifully for the competitors, the otherwise relentless sun remained stifled by early morning cloud as the competitors made their way to the starting line. The 'Under 40s' category were the first to set off and the quality of the field became apparent immediately. Despite a daunting early pace, Sgt Eddie O'Neill (DFTC) blazed an early lead fol- lowed closely in pursuit by Lt Diarmuid Collins (7 Inf Bn). The remain- der of the elite competitors congealed into three to four main groups, each one locked in their own individual battle. Despite the quality of running on display, nobody could touch the remarkable Sgt O'Neill who simply blitzed the field with a winning time of 15mins 47secs. Lt Collins finished second in an impressive time of 16mins and 41secs. The Over 40's category race proved to be an equally fascinating event with the lead changing hands between Sgt Sean Doyle (DFTC) and his Finnish colleague Capt Juha- Matti Hinkkuri many times over the demanding course. In the end, the experience and sheer determination of Sgt Doyle prevailed as he took gold in a time of 19mins and 21secs. The number of Irish compet- itors who scaled the winner's podium during the prize giving ceremony was testament to the remarkable success of the relatively small Irish contin- gent. In addition to winning both individual events, the Irish also won the team gold medal to make it a hat-trick of momentous victories on the day. As Brig Gen Fabio Polli looked on, other UNIFIL contingents marvelled at the Irish performance, a performance made all the more remarkable in the context of the talent of the field that included runners from Tanzania, Ghana, Italy, South Korea and Spain. As the Irish team made their way back to UNP 2-45, for some to prepare for another patrol that evening, they could rightly claim to have done the 45 Infantry Group, FINIRISHBATT and the Defence Forces proud. Shama UNIFIL 5km Race

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